Campaign will encourage eye check for older drivers
Careful Ayrshire drivers are backing a new campaign that encourages older motorists to get their eyes checked before getting behind the wheel.
The Fitness to Drive campaign was launched this week by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland, which is urging older drivers to consider their driving habits and make sure they attend their free regularly NHS eye test.
It comes as grim stats show that 29 per cent of car drivers killed or seriously injured in road collisions were aged over 60.
Derek MacPherson, 64, from Kilmarnock has encouraged fellow Ayrshire motorists to get checked.
Derek said:“As I’ve aged, I’ve become more aware of my eyesight changing and how that affects my driving. I’m now less likely to drive long journeys or drive at night, when the glare from other cars and streetlights can make it harder to see.
“Getting my eyes checked by the optometrist is quick and easy, and knowing my eyesight is up to scratch helps me stay confident on the road so I can keep enjoying the freedom of driving.”
Troon woman Kate Wilson, 33, has told how she has had a conversation with her mum Shona, 64, over driving safety.
Kate said:“Growing up, I’ve seen how much driving means to my mum. It’s not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about independence. I’ve had chat with my mum about the importance of getting her eyes checked regularly, to make sure she can keep driving safely and stay as active as I know she wants to be.
“We’ve also talked about other ways for her to get around in situations when she’s perhaps not comfortable driving, like public transport and getting help from family and her friends.
“These conversations aren’t always easy to have, but I know my mum values us being honest with each other and that any concerns I would ever raise are coming from a good place.”
Mum Shona added:“As a woman who values her independence and has a busy, active life, being able to keep driving as long as possible is important to me.
“Going for your regular eye exam, or whenever you notice your eyesight changing, is such an easy way to make sure you’re still safe on the road when you’re out and about.”
Janet Pooley, chief optometric adviser, said:“As we get older, we can experience changes to our eyesight, including blurred vision, a reduced visual field and less accuracy when it comes to judging distances, which impact our ability to drive safely.
“As well as detecting changes in your eyesight, an NHS eye examination can pick up age-related eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, and it can identify and help prevent other health conditions like blood issues and diabetes, which can also affect driving.”
Minister for transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Changes in our eyesight is something we’re all affected by as we get older, and with Scotland’s population continuing to age, it’s particularly important to ensure we all stay safe on the road.
“We’re encouraging everyone in this age group to get their eyes checked regularly to make sure they are fit to drive.”
For more information about the campaign or how to book a free NHS eye examination, go to roadsafety.scot. Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@ roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.