Following a fatal accident inquiry, legal expert Craig Donnelly has called for stricter regulations on elderly drivers.
The inquiry highlighted the case of a 91-year-old driver who was unaware of their declining cognitive abilities and was subsequently involved in a fatal accident.
Donnelly suggests that elderly drivers should be subject to regular cognitive assessments, similar to vehicle MOT tests. This would ensure that they remain fit to drive and reduce the risk of accidents.
While drivers aged 70 and over are required to renew their licenses and declare any health conditions, there is currently no system in place to verify these declarations. Donnelly argues that this self-certification process is insufficient and that more robust measures are needed.
He emphasises the importance of consulting with medical professionals and seeking legal advice if a driver’s license is revoked.
His proposal aims to balance the need for road safety with the independence of older drivers. If stricter regulations were implemented, it’s hoped there would be a significant reduction in the risk of accidents caused by drivers no longer fit behind the wheel.
What are your thoughts? Do you regularly see elderly drivers at your garage who you worry about on the road?
Source: Scottish Business News
Andrew Puddifer
Never mind the elderly drivers. Most fatal road accidents are caused by young inexperienced drivers.
Eddie Bamber
I agree with Andrew Puddifer. There’s been many cases of teenage fatalities. I’ve just watched reports on the television of the 4 young lads whose car overturned and rolled into a water filled ditch. There’s calls for new drivers to be banned from carrying passengers for a period after passing their tests. As always, there’s good and bad in all ages. You can’t tar everyone with the same brush.
Lisa Hawkins
I have to say Andrew is right the elderly drivers we get come in to us for repairs are still sound and good drivers.
Mal Williams
I think a bigger problem is the volume of shall we say “foreign” drivers on the roads nowadays who don’t even hold a U.K.driving license