The recent inquest into the deaths of four individuals who were killed by drivers with failing eyesight has highlighted significant concerns regarding the enforcement of visual legal standards for motorists. HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr. James Adeley, has expressed alarm over the laxity of the current licensing system in the UK, which he described as the “laxest in Europe.” He emphasized that the UK is one of only three countries that rely on self-reporting of visual conditions impacting driving ability, and also the sole European country to issue licenses without any visual checks up to the age of 70.
During the inquests of Marie Cunningham, Grace Foulds, Peter Westwell, and Anne Ferguson, it was revealed that the drivers involved had failed to declare their insufficient eyesight to the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Glyn Jones, who struck friends Cunningham and Foulds while they were crossing the road in Southport, was found to have been aware of his inadequate eyesight for years before the collision. Similarly, Neil Pemberton, who hit Mr. Westwell in Langho, had a history of eye disease and had been advised by clinicians not to drive numerous times. Vernon Law, responsible for Mrs. Ferguson’s death, had concealed his cataracts diagnosis and neglected to inform an optometrist about his driving habits.
In response to the tragic events, the families of the victims have condemned the selfish actions of the drivers involved, highlighting the avoidability of the fatalities. Terry Wilcox, representing the families of Cunningham, Foulds, and Westwell, criticized the current system that relies on self-reporting by drivers and lacks mechanisms to prevent individuals with inadequate eyesight from driving. Dr. Adeley reiterated that the recent fatalities were a direct result of drivers falling short of legal sight requirements, underscoring the ineffectiveness and unsuitability of the existing framework for ensuring driver compliance.
The Department for Transport has acknowledged the coroner’s report and pledged to consider its recommendations. Emphasizing the importance of regular eye testing and adherence to legal requirements, the department reiterated its commitment to enhancing road safety. As discussions continue on potential reforms to address the concerns raised by the inquests, the need for robust measures to prevent accidents resulting from inadequate driver eyesight remains a pressing issue
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