Yorkshire: 28% ‘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.

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00:00Older drivers across Yorkshire could soon be asked to prove they are safe to drive through

00:08mandatory eyesight tests.

00:10The current rules rely on self-reporting, meaning people over 70 only need to say if

00:15their vision has changed.

00:17But a senior coroner says this approach may be too weak after reviewing cases where poor

00:22eyesight led to fatal crashes.

00:24He warned that some drivers may ignore medical advice and continue driving even when their

00:28sight is no longer good enough.

00:30Now, new rules are being looked at that could require a formal eye test.

00:34There's no word yet on how often that might be needed.

00:37A new road safety plan is expected later this year.

00:41In Yorkshire, support for change is clear.

00:4328% of people said they strongly support older drivers retaking their test, and 35% said they

00:49somewhat support it.

00:51Some however worry it could unfairly target older people.

00:54For now, the plans remain under review.