Lowry questions European proposals for older drivers

DEPUTY Michael Lowry has questioned a proposal by the European Commission that motorists over 70 years old do medical tests and refresher courses every five years.

“As it currently stands in Ireland, motorists aged 65-71 years can renew a licence up to their 75th birthday, while those aged 72-74 years are permitted to obtain a three-year licence”, says Deputy Lowry adding that ‘motorists aged 75 years or over can get either a one or a three-year licence, subject to a Certification of Fitness to Drive from their doctor.

“If their Doctor has concerns regarding cognitive or physical ability, they are referred for additional screening. This decision is based on overall health, not on the age of the person. This system has proven effective and there is no evidence to suggest that further measures are required.

“International research has proven time and time again that older motorists are amongst the safest drivers on the road. They cause or are involved in fewer serious accidents, are less likely to be detected driving outside the speed limits and typically maintain their vehicles to a high standard” he says.

“Ireland has a huge rural population, with many of those living miles from essential services and family and friends. Many use their cars to get them around locally in the absence of suitable regular public transport.

“Their car can, in many cases, be their connection to the outside world and, once medically cleared by their Doctor, there is no basis to prevent them from doing so. There are also the logistical and financial issues involved in setting up Medical Testing and Refresher Courses. Our health system is over-burdened and motorists are already in queues for NCT Testing and Driving Tests.

“How would this medical testing, not to mention Refresher Courses be carried out? While Road Safety is a concern for everyone in light of more than 160 deaths on our roads so far this year, throwing the spotlight on older motorists is not the answer.

“It would be a much wiser move at this time to adopt the recommendations of the Road Safety Authority, which include ‘improved access to public transport, more 30 km/h zones and better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists including the construction of highly visible, as well as recognisable and uniform pedestrian crossings”, Deputy Lowry said.