The UK government is preparing the most significant update to driving laws in almost two decades, with a new package of measures aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Britain’s roads. A key proposal is to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70, with those who fail facing an immediate driving ban, reported by the BBC website today concerning new laws to prevent death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving in particular in addition to countless injuries on UK Roads.
This follows a series of tragic incidents including a recent case where an elderly motorist with poor vision killed a pedestrian that have sparked calls for tougher regulations to prevent avoidable road deaths caused by medical conditions.
Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
Under current law, causing death by dangerous driving is a serious criminal offence, carrying penalties such as lengthy prison sentences and driving disqualifications. However, road safety campaigners argue that prevention is just as important as punishment.
Poor eyesight, untreated medical conditions, and slower reaction times in older drivers can all increase the risk of collisions — particularly when combined with other high-risk behaviours such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
The proposed changes would require drivers aged 70 and over to pass an eyesight test every three years when renewing their licence. This marks a significant change from the current system, which relies largely on drivers self-declaring medical conditions.
Wider Road Safety Measures
Alongside the eyesight reforms, the government is also considering:
- Lower drink-drive limits – England and Wales may align with Scotland’s stricter limit of 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath (currently 35).
- Tougher penalties for seatbelt offences – Drivers could face penalty points if passengers fail to wear seatbelts, with fines of up to GBP 500.
- Enhanced drug-driving enforcement – Roadside saliva tests could be accepted as primary evidence, removing the need for slower blood tests.
- Increased sanctions for uninsured driving – Harsher penalties to deter uninsured drivers.
- Action against ghost plates – New technology to tackle number plates that evade detection by ANPR cameras.
Rules to reduce Death by Dangerous Driving and Death by Careless Driving
Government figures show road fatalities and serious injuries are rising again after years of decline. In 2023, 1,633 people died on UK roads and almost 28,000 were seriously injured. The number of drivers over 60 involved in fatal or serious injury collisions has risen by 47% since 2010.
A coroner’s report recently warned that the UK has some of the weakest eyesight requirements in Europe, with most EU countries requiring professional vision tests at licence renewal.
Legal Implications for New Eye Sight Rules
If these proposals become law, failing a vision test could mean immediate removal from the road potentially preventing future cases of causing death by dangerous driving. Police and prosecutors would also have stronger grounds for legal action where a collision is linked to a known medical impairment.
For bereaved families, civil claims including dependency and bereavement damages can often be pursued alongside criminal proceedings.
New Rules to Reduce Death by Dangerous and Careless Driving is Welcomed
These measures, expected to be published in the autumn, could represent the most comprehensive road safety reforms since the Road Safety Act 2006. However, experts caution that without an increase in police numbers — with at least 1,000 more traffic officers — enforcement may be limited.
R. James Hutcheon Solicitors support measures that make roads safer. If you have lost a loved one in a road traffic collision, our experienced legal team can help you secure justice and compensation under the law on causing death by dangerous driving.
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