Karen also has experience of helping older drivers start driving again after time off, something she admits can be, “quite difficult”
A driving instructor with over 40 years of experience has said mandatory eye tests for older drivers are “common sense”.
The UK Government is reportedly set to introduce a new road safety strategy in the autumn, which will include reducing the drink-driving limit, and introducing penalty points for passengers not wearing seat belts.
The decision comes after an inquest was made into four road deaths caused by drivers with failing eyesight.
Karen McAree, who works with DriveWell, has said there needs to be a “much more responsible attitude to driving”.
She said: “Driving instructors are on the road a lot, and we see a lot of older drivers who struggle.
“When somebody gets to 70 years of age, they should be getting their eyes tested. I get mine tested every two years as an instructor.
“I firmly believe that as you get older, you start to decline. I think a lot of instructors feel the same as well, that an eye sight test should be mandatory. At that age, the doctor should be giving you the OK.
“Down the line as they get older, to the ages of 80 and above, that’s when their eyesight can really go downhill.
Karen also believes that some form of driving assessment would be appropriate for older drivers to pass.
“By that stage, common sense would tell me not just eyesight checks, but checks with their doctor for any health issues and a driving assessment.
“It’s not about going overly hard on them, but instead just doing the necessary safety checks.
“Everyone should be doing a driving assessment, especially at that age. And that can be with driving instructors, for us to assess them.
“It wouldn’t be like another driving test when they first pass, I don’t think that would be necessary, but certainly some sort of assessment, just so we can keep an eye on people.”
Karen also has experience of helping older drivers start driving again after time off, something she admits can be, “quite difficult”.
“I gave one lady lessons to get her back up to speed, which took me around 10 hours of training, and was harder than it usually would have been”, she continued.
“Another lady who was in her seventies, and I just had to tell her that this isn’t safe, and that her instincts were too slow.”
Karen also, “100%” believes that safer laws regarding the drink-driving limit are necessary.
She said: “As driving instructors, we have to be very aware of people drinking alcohol or taking drugs outside of the motor before a lesson.
“I’ve had incidents of people showing up to a lesson having taken drugs the night before. I really do think something has to be done about driving with drugs and alcohol, because it is so dangerous.”
The Department for Infrastructure have also said they are “aware of plans” for the UK government to make eye tests mandatory for drivers over the age of 70.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The Department is aware of plans by the UK government to update their Road Safety Strategy, including consulting on the potential for over 70s to take compulsory eye tests.
“All applicants for Northern Ireland driving licences are required to make a declaration as to their fitness to drive.
“License holders are also legally required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Agency if, during the period of validity of a licence, they develop any new medical condition, or if they suffer a deterioration in a previously disclosed condition, including eyesight, that may affect their ability to drive safely.
“Officials will also monitor any proposals and consultations from the UK government on lowering drink-drive limits when they are published.
“The Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 was published on the 12 September 2024 and is supported by an Annual Action Plan, focused on reducing the number of road deaths here.
“As part of its agreed strategic interventions under the Action Plan 2024/25, the Department is reviewing existing arrangements and options to introduce a lower legal alcohol limit applicable to all drivers. Any proposed change will be subject to public consultation in due course.”
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