The British daily The Times reported on the 10th that the government is planning the largest reform of road safety laws in more than 20 years. The reform plan is expected to include mandatory eye exams for drivers aged 70 and over.
Drivers over the age of 70 are required to undergo an eye exam every three years when they need to renew their licenses, and may also have to undergo a medical examination for diseases such as dementia. Until now, the UK has required drivers to report their own deterioration in driving ability due to vision problems.
However, as the number of elderly drivers increases and traffic accidents are on the rise accordingly, measures are being taken.
According to The Times, the number of drivers aged 60 or older involved in accidents on the road has increased by 47% since 2010.
As a result, concerns have been raised about elderly drivers who continue to drive despite medical problems such as poor vision.
The reorganization plan also included imposing penalties on drivers and strengthening punishment for uninsured drivers if their passengers do not wear seat belts.
Measures are also being discussed to lower the drunk driving standard and simplify the prosecution process for suspects who took drugs and drove.
The reorganization plan is expected to be announced around the fall after a process of collecting opinions.
According to The Times, 1,633 people were killed and 28,000 seriously injured in traffic accidents in the UK last year, with one casualty every 18 minutes.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
