Coroner Warns 2.1 Million UK Drivers Have Poor Eyesight

A landmark UK inquest has found that ineffective enforcement of vision standards for drivers contributed to four deaths caused by motorists with eyesight below legal requirements. The senior coroner for Lancashire, Dr. James Adeley, criticized Britain's system as the 'laxest in Europe,' highlighting its reliance on self-reporting of visual conditions and outdated testing methods that have not changed since the 1930s. He urged the government to strengthen regulations to prevent future deaths, noting that over two million drivers with poor eyesight may still be on British roads. Meanwhile, in the US, new research underscores the urgent need for updated vision screening policies as older adults increasingly remain behind the wheel; 14% of Americans aged 65 and older have vision impairments, which significantly influence their driving habits and safety. The studies reveal that vision-impaired seniors are much more likely to stop driving or avoid risky situations, though often only after near-misses or accidents, highlighting gaps in current road safety policies. Both UK and US findings suggest that stricter vision testing and better policy enforcement could reduce road deaths and improve safety for all.