Plans for Mandatory Eye Tests for Drivers Over 70

The UK government is currently considering the introduction of mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over, requiring them to have an eye examination every three years to continue driving legally. This proposed change aims to improve road safety by ensuring that elderly drivers maintain the necessary vision standards to operate vehicles safely on increasingly busy roads. Vision is one of the most critical senses for safe driving, and undiagnosed or untreated eye conditions among older drivers have been linked to serious accidents causing life-changing injuries and fatalities.

The Case That Sparked a National Debate: Anne Ferguson’s Tragic Death

One of the most compelling reasons this legislation is under consideration comes from a heartbreaking real-life incident in Whitworth, Lancashire. In 2023, 75-year-old Anne Ferguson was tragically killed after being struck by a van driven by 72-year-old Vernon Law. The collision raised significant questions about the driver’s vision at the time of the accident.

Investigations suggested that Mr. Law had undiagnosed vision problems that contributed to his failure to see Ms. Ferguson in time to avoid the collision. This tragedy galvanized Ms. Ferguson’s family and campaigners to call for mandatory eye tests for elderly drivers to prevent similar accidents in the future.

This case highlights a wider issue seen across the UK, where age-related visual impairments in drivers have been linked to a disproportionate number of serious road traffic accidents.

Understanding Vision and Its Impact on Driving Safety

As we age, the risk of developing eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration increases. These conditions often progress slowly and may not cause immediate symptoms, meaning many individuals are unaware that their vision is deteriorating.

Poor vision can severely affect key driving skills, including:

• Depth perception
• Peripheral awareness
• Night vision
• Ability to judge speed and distance

The consequences of impaired vision on the road are profound. Drivers with untreated eye conditions may fail to spot hazards or react in time to avoid collisions, putting themselves, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at risk.

The Rising Number of Serious Road Traffic Accidents Among Older Drivers

Government data reveals that drivers aged 70 and above are involved in a notable proportion of serious road traffic collisions where vision impairment is a contributing factor. These accidents often result in severe injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Multiple fractures
• Severe soft tissue injuries
• Long-term disability or death

The human cost is immense. Beyond the physical pain, victims endure emotional trauma, loss of independence, and financial challenges including loss of earnings and ongoing medical expenses.

Navigating Personal Injury Claims for Serious Accidents Outside the OIC Portal

In England and Wales, many personal injury claims under £5,000 are now processed through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal, a digital system designed to expedite lower-value claims.

However, serious injury claims that exceed this financial threshold, often due to catastrophic or complex injuries, are not handled via the OIC portal.

Claims worth over £5,000, especially those involving serious or life-changing injuries, require more detailed legal work, including:

• Thorough liability investigations
• Collecting extensive medical evidence
• Instructing expert witnesses (medical and technical)
• Handling negotiations with insurers or preparing court proceedings

Hopkins Solicitors specialises in managing these high-value, complex claims with a dedicated approach tailored to the unique challenges they present.

How Hopkins Solicitors Supports Clients with Serious Personal Injury Claims

When handling serious injury claims, particularly those involving elderly drivers or vision-related accidents, our personal injury team offers:

• In-Depth Case Analysis: We investigate every aspect of the accident, including whether impaired vision was a factor, gathering evidence to build a robust claim.
• Collaboration with Medical Experts: We work with ophthalmologists, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and accident reconstruction experts to obtain detailed medical and technical reports.
• Clear Communication and Support: We understand how stressful and overwhelming serious injuries can be. Our team provides regular updates and compassionate guidance throughout your claim.
• Comprehensive Compensation Claims: We seek damages for medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of income, care costs, pain and suffering, and any future losses.
• No Win, No Fee: To make legal help accessible, we operate on a conditional fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case.

Why Early Legal Advice Is Crucial

If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in a road traffic accident, especially involving an older driver or where vision impairment may have played a role, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Early intervention helps:

• Preserve vital evidence (e.g., witness statements, CCTV, medical records)
• Obtain expert medical assessments promptly
• Secure your legal rights and avoid missing important deadlines

Hopkins Solicitors offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your options without any obligation.

Promoting Road Safety for All Ages

While the introduction of mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 is a significant and positive step toward reducing preventable accidents, all drivers, regardless of age, should prioritise regular eye examinations and report any changes in their vision promptly to their GP or optometrist.

The safety of everyone on the road depends on responsible driving and awareness of personal health factors that affect driving ability.

Contact Hopkins Solicitors Today

If you have been involved in a serious road traffic accident, or you require expert advice on a personal injury claim relating to vision impairment or any other cause, contact the personal injury team at Hopkins Solicitors today.

We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.