Copyright birminghammail
Millions of drivers are thought to be breaking eyesight laws on UK roads. Research found one in seven people know someone who is continuing to drive despite having poor eyesight which is below legal standards. It puts more focus on the issue of older drivers' safety, with the Government currently considering mandatory eyesight tests for over-70s. READ MORE: Drivers who do over 7,000 miles a year 'to be hit by new charge' There are fears that current self-reporting system is not strong enough, and allowing eyesight issues and other medical conditions to slip through the cracks. Older drivers are required to renew licences before their 70th birthdays, however the onus is on them to flag up any health conditions which could impact their driving. The Government's new road safety strategy could include mandatory vision tests. During a discussion on headlight glare in the House of Commons, MP Shockat Adam referred to worrying research about numbers driving "illegally". He said there were drivers with "poor or unsafe vision" but "continue to drive anyway". Mr Adam claimed it showed the current self-reporting system was "failing". The independent MP said: "The greater, and quieter, threat is the number of drivers who already have poor or unsafe vision and continue to drive anyway. "According to statistics by Mortar in October 2024, one in seven people knows of a relative, friend or co-worker who they believe is breaking the law by driving despite poor eyesight. "Almost 30% of motorists admitted they would continue to drive even if they knew their vision was below the legal standards. "More than a quarter said they are worried about someone they know who drives despite having poor vision. "These figures are deeply concerning, and reveal that our current, self-referral system is failing and many people either do not know their vision has declined or choose to ignore it."
