Many European Union countries are considering new, stricter rules for driving license renewals for older motorists.
The goal of the reform is to reduce the number of accidents and improve road safety. Under the plan being discussed, drivers over 70 will be required to undergo an eye test every three years. During the test, experts will evaluate the driver’s ability to recognize road signs and objects at a certain distance.
According to official data from the European Commission, older drivers are more likely to be involved in road accidents, which is associated with a natural decrease in reaction, concentration and visual acuity. All these factors directly affect the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Statistics show an alarming increase: the proportion of deaths among older drivers in Europe increased from 22% in 2010 to 28% in 2018.
In Cyprus, drivers over 70 years of age are already required to renew their license every three years by providing a medical certificate of health. In some cases, authorities may order retesting of driving skills, and if serious health problems are found that affect the ability to drive, the license may be temporarily suspended or revoked.
Cyprus' Minister of Transport told Parliament that the number of drivers over 70 years of age is growing steadily: from 60,443 in 2019, the number has increased to 76,514 by 2024, an increase of almost 16,000.
Other European countries have different approaches. Thus, in Greece, a driver’s license must be renewed from the age of 65, and after 80 years - every two years. In the UK, drivers over 70 years of age are required to undergo mandatory medical checks.
European experts believe that such measures will help prevent accidents associated with deteriorating driver health and make the roads safer for all road users.
Source: alphanews.live
