Many drivers in Germany are endangering traffic due to medical reasons, but there are currently no mandatory health checks for seniors. In most EU member states, guidelines for mandatory health checks for seniors who participate in road traffic already exist. However, in Germany, the driver’s license regulation (FeV) only requires a one-time vision test before obtaining a driver’s license. According to Frank Tost of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), it is the responsibility of each road user to seek ophthalmological advice and, if necessary, to commission a medical assessment of their driving ability.
A study by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) now shows that most people overestimate their visual ability. A large majority (99.2%) of the participants believed that their visual ability was rather good to very good. However, during a vision test, 16.4% of the participants failed with an actual visual acuity of less than 0.7. According to the DOG expert, it is essential to identify signs of common eye diseases early and make an appointment with an ophthalmologist for an examination.
As people age, their ability to see at night decreases, and the likelihood of developing glaucoma increases. This eye disease is insidious, causing traffic signs, other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists to suddenly disappear from the field of vision and reappear unexpectedly. The risk of accidents with life-threatening consequences increases immensely with glaucoma. Therefore, regular ophthalmological examinations are recommended, especially from the age of 60. The fear of immediately losing one’s driver’s license is often unfounded, as visual aids, surgical procedures, or adapted behavior patterns can often help. In uncertain cases, ophthalmologists recommend a fitness examination, which costs between 80 and 100 euros and must be borne by the individual.
The EU is considering a reform of the driver’s license law, which could affect older road users. There is a proposal to introduce driving ability tests for seniors to ensure safety on the roads. In March 2023, the EU Commission presented a draft that includes checks for persons aged 70 and over, including a vision test. It is crucial to identify and address potential medical issues that could affect driving ability to ensure the safety of all road users.
