Proposed Road Safety Strategy Includes Driver Testing for Over 70s

The government is set to unveil a comprehensive road safety strategy on Wednesday, which may introduce mandatory eye tests and cognitive assessments for drivers aged 70 and above.

Strategy Objectives

This new strategy aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with a specific target of a 70% reduction for children under 16. The proposals seek to enhance road safety without compromising the independence of older drivers.

Data on Older Drivers

Statistics from 2024 indicate that drivers aged 70 or older constituted approximately 24% of fatalities in road collisions. Furthermore, this demographic accounted for 12% of all car crash casualties during the same period.

Ministerial Statement

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood commented on the strategy, emphasizing the balance between personal freedoms and public safety. Greenwood stated the importance of driving for older individuals' well-being and independence while highlighting the necessity of ensuring safety for all road users. She noted that this strategy is the first of its kind in over a decade and addresses the growing older population.

Additional Measures Under Consideration

Previous reports have suggested that the strategy might also include additional measures:

• Seatbelt Enforcement: Introduction of penalty points for individuals caught not wearing a seatbelt.
• Insurance Violations: Increased penalties for driving without valid insurance, potentially raising upfront fines to £600.