header-logo header-logo

Time to take a back seat?

21 July 2017
Issue: 7755 / Categories: Features
printer mail-detail

Alec Samuels on older drivers—are they safe?

Today there are many more older drivers (for this purpose defined as over 70) than before, well over four million, and representing a bigger proportion of all drivers. Every three years older drivers submit a renewal form to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and answer the question: ‘Have you been told by a consultant or eye specialist that you have a problem with the field of vision?’ There is no legal obligation to have an eye test. They make a self-assessment, and answer that they do not have a problem. They may be lying, reckless, mistaken, or simply ignorant. Understandably, they wish to retain their licence. The DVLA can ask for an eye test, and for the result to be reported to them, but rarely does so.

Defects

The potential defects of older drivers are well known. They are slow to react, slow to meet a challenge, less confident. They may be under the influence of medication. Their physical frailty makes them more vulnerable to injury.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll