A new rule could see three million lose their licence if motoring bosses at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) accept the demands of optometrists and families of victims. The Association of optometrists is calling for the law to be changed so that all drivers have their vision checked when they first apply for a driving license when renewing it and checks every three years for those over seventy.
And on BBC Breakfast today Emma Damen whose father Jim Tassell was knocked off his bike and killed by an 82-year-old has backed the calls for a change to the law. Speaking on the show this morning she said: “I truly believe that when you renew your licence at the age of 70 there should be a mandatory check on an eyesight. The eyesight checks when you are 70 are free.
“So it doesn’t cost you any money to go and have your eyesight checked for me, it shouldn’t be a choice. It shouldn’t be a tick box exercise. It should be. You need to prove that your eyesight meets the minimum standards the 20 metres that is required to legally drive in this country.”
The BBC show said that new research published today, six in 10 optometrists say they’ve seen a patient in the last month who continues to drive despite their vision being below the legal standard. The Association of Optometrists is calling for the law to be changed so that all drivers have their vision checked when they first apply for a driving licence when renewing it and checks every three years for those over 70.
Emma added: “If you are all worried about anybody your mum, your dad, your brother, a friend, anybody Please please please encourage them to get an eyesight check because it may well be absolutely fine. But if you’re not sure, please get it checked.”
The Association of Optometrists found six in 10 of its members have seen a patient who is driving illegally within the past month. It estimates a tenth of the more than 30 million British motorists may have sub-standard vision – meaning three million could lose their licence if the DVSA adopts the law change proposal.
Chief executive Adam Sampson said: “This is a stark reminder of why UK roads are not as safe as they should be.” Surveys of 910 optometrists, medical experts who conduct eye tests and health checks, found half of them have multiple law-breaking patients.
Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated. DVLA rules stipulate drivers should be able to read a numberplate from 66 feet (20m) away.
They should also be able to read at least six rows of letters on the Snellen wall chart. People must also report to the DVLA when they lose part or all of their sight.
Professor Julie-Anne Little, past chair of the AOP, said: “Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated over time. Having poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times and the ability to drive safely.
“It doesn’t take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic consequences.” Mr Sampson added: “The number plate test is not an adequate test of vision. The law should be updated to ensure all drivers are required to have their vision checked and this should be done by reliable means.”
For the government rules on eyesight standards click here.