Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with hefty penalties for failing to disclose medical conditions correctly, which could lead to more fatalities on UK roads.
It comes after a major campaign was launched aimed at raising awareness about the fitness to drive, with particular focus on elderly motorists and those with health conditions.
The campaign, unveiled by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, hopes to address growing concerns about road safety across the province.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins emphasised the campaign’s importance, stating that “too many people are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year.”
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
The campaign hopes to crack down on the 95 per cent of road casualties which have been caused by human error
The campaign utilises social media platforms to reach drivers directly, signposting crucial information about maintaining road safety standards.
Kimmins highlighted the stark reality of road safety, noting that “sadly, evidence shows that more than 95 per cent of road deaths are due to human error.”
She said: “This campaign is a reminder to us all to keep ourselves and others safe on the roads by making sure we follow the appropriate steps in the event of illness or eyesight issues.
“The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.”
DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
|
The campaign launched this month hopes to encourage drivers to take better care on UK roads
She emphasised that the campaign “reminds us of our personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe.”
The campaign comprises two elements designed to address different aspects of road safety concerns.
The first element, ‘Keep Yourself Right’, reminds drivers to take appropriate steps when experiencing health conditions or eyesight issues that might affect their driving ability.
It also stresses the importance of keeping driving licence details current and highlights the specific requirements that apply to drivers aged over 70.
The second component, ‘Time to Talk’, targets those who have concerns about another person’s ability to drive safely due to health or other issues.
This initiative hopes to encourage honest conversations between family members and friends about driving capability, recognising that such discussions can be difficult but necessary.
Both elements direct users to information available on the Government website, where detailed guidance on medical conditions and licence requirements can be accessed.
Under UK law, drivers aged over 70 must renew their licences as well as meet different requirements, with the campaign highlighting these specific obligations to ensure compliance.
All drivers suffering from medical conditions affecting their ability to drive must inform the Driver and Vehicle Agency, with failure to do so constituting an offence punishable by fines up to £1,000.
Drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for failing to disclose medical conditions
The agency warned that drivers caught making false declarations about health could face even steeper penalties, with convictions resulting in fines of up to £2,500.
The DVA processes medical information through questionnaires and assessments, typically making decisions within three to four weeks for straightforward cases.
Drivers must not operate vehicles if advised against doing so by their doctor and must report any worsening of existing conditions that could impact road safety.
Individuals making reports must also provide their own identification details to prevent malicious allegations, though DVA protects their anonymity from the reported driver unless compelled by court order.
The process requires specific information about the driver, including name, address and details of their suspected medical condition.