Older drivers are “at risk” of developing a dangerous condition which could put them at risk behind the wheel. Experts at the Older Drivers Forum said motorists in later life are likely to notice a reduction in their eyesight with some at risk of developing “tunnel vision”.
This is when road users lose their “peripheral vision”, which is a major road safety concern. Motorists who cannot see anything out of their direct line of sight may be unable to identify vital road hazards. This could put drivers in danger of hitting individuals, other vehicles or debris in the road.
The Older Drivers Forum said: “Sometimes as we get older our field of vision will reduce and in severe cases can become tunnel vision.
“This can make driving dangerous as we lose our peripheral vision and therefore won’t see a hazard appearing from the side until it is often too late.
“As a driver, we should all ask for a ‘Field of Vision’ check when we have an eyesight test as this is not always done as standard.”
Eyesight checks are not mandatory in the UK to renew a driving licence at 70 years old meaning individuals don’t have to legally have their vision checked to remain on the road.
However, the DVLA states road users must declare any medical conditions which affect driving including poor eyesight.
The rules state individuals must have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale.
The DVLA states this can be achieved with either glasses or contact lenses.
But, with eyesight deteriorating gradually over someone’s life, it can be difficult for motorists to know when their vision is considered dangerous.
Campaigners have repeatedly suggested older road users should undergo eyesight testing at 70 but no formal proposals have yet been put forward.
Rob Heard, Founder of the Older Drivers Forum previously suggested an eye test ahead of a driving licence renewal was a good suggestion.
He said: “Certainly when we get to the age of 70, rather than just ticking the box that we’re fit and healthy to drive, thinking about it and maybe going out and getting an assessment.
“At the age of 70, I think we should be looking at having one with every renewal.”
