🚗👀 New Driving Rules on the Horizon for Over-70s? 👀🚗
Heads up to all our seasoned drivers out there! The UK Government is cooking up a fresh road safety strategy that might require drivers over the age of 70 to have mandatory eye tests every three years. Scheduled for announcement this Wednesday, these proposed changes are part of a broader plan to keep our roads safer for everyone.
Why the fuss about eye tests? Well, according to experts, the risk of being involved in a car accident increases as drivers age, particularly once they hit 70. Edmund King from the AA praised the move, pointing out that eye tests are already free for those over 60 and recommended every two years to catch any underlying issues. So, it’s an easy win for safety!
This isn’t the only shakeup on the table. The government is also considering lowering the drink-driving limit in Wales and England and extending the waiting period for learner drivers before they can take their practical tests.
The motivation behind all this? Aiming for a drastic reduction in road deaths and serious injuries — down by 65% overall and 70% for children under 16 by 2035. Notably, about 24% of car driver fatalities in 2024 were among those 70 or older, highlighting the importance of these reforms.
For those concerned about maintaining independence, rest assured, the government wants to balance safety with personal freedom. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reassures us that these plans are about ensuring safety without unnecessarily curbing the freedoms that driving allows.
So, whether you’re approaching the golden age of driving or have loved ones who are, keep an eye out (pun intended) for these changes!
#SafetyFirst #RoadRules #StaySafe #DrivingOver70