Wales: 27% ‘strongly support’ older drivers retaking their test

A senior coroner recently said the current rules are too relaxed, after investigating fatal crashes involving drivers with poor vision.

Transcript

00:00Drivers in Wales could be affected by new proposals aimed at keeping older motorists safer on the roads.

00:07The focus is on people over the age of 70 and whether they should undergo eyesight tests before renewing their license.

00:13Right now, older drivers are not required to take any kind of test. They only need to report changes in their sight themselves.

00:20A senior coroner has raised the alarm, saying the current system is one of the most relaxed in Europe,

00:26after four fatal crashes involving drivers with poor vision.

00:30His report warned that drivers might overestimate how well they can see, putting others at risk.

00:36Officials are now considering whether regular eyesight checks should be brought in.

00:40It's part of a wider road safety review expected later this year.

00:44In Wales, public opinion appears to back the idea.

00:4727% strongly support older drivers retaking their test, and 38% somewhat support it.

00:53Others argue that debility should matter more than age.

00:57No final decisions have yet been made.