I know this subject has been aired before but there are signs that things may be starting to move.
The article:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008...l
Plus lots of responses.
My response is - lets start with a regular comprehensive eye test for ALL drivers of all ages.
I siuggest this could be implemented within a couple of years ( to allow the ramp up of testing slots).
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This looks very much like the system we had for some years, cancelled as an election bribe last elections. Eyesight tests are still required for driving licence renewal, plus full medicals for HGV and passenger service.
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Eyesight tests are still required for driving licence renewal >>
Err?
Surely not?
Sorry, Gary, I have just realised. Are you talking about down under?
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Seems fairly sensible. I know a number of people who in my opinion are dangerous drivers because of medical problems.
Some years back I was out cycling with a mate when we approached a side road with an elderly driver waiting to emerge. He was looking straight ahead but had a mirror in his hand, angled so he could see along the road where we were travelling. Presumably he was unable to turn his head, and instead of admitting he was past driving he carried on like this.
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who will pay for these medical examinations ( they dont come cheap) , i suppose the powers that be could stick a surcharge on the VED to cover it eh?
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All very well and good - but it won't do anything about people who shouldn't be driving in the first place (never taken a test, disqualified, no insurance, etc)
They seem to be the ones who cause most of the accidents
Edited by Chris S on 28/04/2008 at 10:44
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>>...but it won't do anything about people who shouldn't be driving in the first place (never taken a test disqualified no insurance etc)
There is a process to deal with them when they are caught.
There does not seem to be any process re eyesight except the one off and that is it til pension time "Would your kindly read that numerplate at 22m Sir / Madam ". That ignores tunnel vision, etc. etc. etc.
In all the police progs I have watched the question has never been asked re reading a number plate.
Or even " Can you read your speedo when driving your/ the car sir?
Eyesight testing is well established but it would need to be slightly extended for a motorist test.
Perhaps there is some sort of merit in, say testing every 5 years up to age 40 and then evey 2 years til 65 and then annually.
It is too serious a problem to play the agism card.
I admit to having a mild rant to fellow older persons to "Go get your eyes tested every year!" They seem to be oblivious to the benefits of this "Health" check and seem more worried about being pressurised into buying new expensive specs.
To the non motoring types I say " Just take the prescription, say thanks and walk out.
Any further tests /checks on ability become so much more difficult to implement but this must be explored.
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Just insist on a compulsory visit to an optometrist for the eye test where they sign the form saying you're fit to drive.
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who will pay for these medical examinations ( they dont come cheap) i suppose the powers that be could stick a surcharge on the VED to cover it eh?
Move to Scotland - we don't pay for eye tests - they're free under the NHS!!
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Move to Scotland - we don't pay for eye tests - they're free under the NHS!!
yes and we all know who is subsidising your NHS bill..... tax revenue from all that English oil in the north sea ( when its flowing that is)
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Yes, drbe, NZ had this system but the government cancelled the medical and practical test for older drivers to buy their votes at the last election. Too short a time since to find out whether it has any real effect on the accident rate. Medical and practical were at the driver's expense at age 70, 75, 80, and 2-yearly thereafter.
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Does a standard eye test examine all the required parameters for driving safely?
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..Standard eye test ...I guess it depends on the optometrist, but the only time that I have had "field-of-vision" checks was when doing the medical for my HGV licence renewal. Otherwise, the vision checks here were bog-standard normal like geting new specs.
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"comprehensive eye test"
I quite agree Henry, but it doesn't guarantee that people will wear their glasses. A motorcyclist was killed here recently by an old dear who had simply driven off with her glasses in the glove compartment.
www.iwcp.co.uk/News/ROAD_DEATH_VICTIM_CARRIED_NO_B...x
Still, a proper eye test would be a start, but I'd also like to see a written exam for theory, rather than multiple choice. You're expected to take them for everything else!
Edited by J Bonington Jagworth on 29/04/2008 at 18:15
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