UK drivers are being reminded of their legal obligation to disclose medical conditions that could impair their ability to drive safely. A new campaign launched in Northern Ireland emphasizes the serious consequences of failing to do so, with fines of up to £2,500 for false declarations and increased efforts to raise awareness among older motorists and those with health conditions.
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New Road Safety Campaign Launches in Northern Ireland
The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland has rolled out a new campaign focusing on “fitness to drive.” This initiative seeks to highlight the risks posed by unreported medical conditions and aims to prevent further fatalities on UK roads.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins stressed the urgency behind the campaign, noting that “more than 95 per cent of road deaths are due to human error.” The campaign is part of a broader effort to change driver attitudes and promote a culture of personal responsibility behind the wheel.
Two-Pronged Approach: ‘Keep Yourself Right’ and ‘Time to Talk’
The campaign features two distinct components:
1. Keep Yourself Right
This part targets drivers experiencing health issues—especially vision or medical conditions—that may impair their driving. It urges them to:
- Regularly assess their health and ability to drive.
- Keep their driving licence details up to date.
- Be aware of specific renewal requirements for drivers aged 70 and over.
Drivers in this age group must renew their licence every three years and confirm they meet medical fitness standards.
2. Time to Talk
This segment encourages people to speak up if they believe someone—often a family member or friend—is no longer safe to drive due to a medical condition. While these conversations can be difficult, they are often necessary to prevent tragic outcomes.
Legal Obligations and Penalties for Non-Disclosure
Under UK law, any driver with a medical condition that could impair driving must notify the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). Failure to report such conditions can lead to:
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to disclose a medical condition | Fine up to £1,000 |
| False health declaration | Fine up to £2,500 and potential prosecution |
Medical assessments are typically handled within 3–4 weeks for straightforward cases. In the meantime, drivers must follow their doctor’s advice and stop driving if deemed medically unfit.
Reporting Another Driver: How It Works
Concerns about another driver’s fitness must be submitted with identification to avoid false or malicious reports. While the DVA protects the anonymity of those reporting, this information could be disclosed by court order if needed.
Reports should include:
- Driver’s full name and address
- Details of the medical condition in question
- Your contact information (kept confidential unless legally required)
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With an ageing population and increased instances of conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and deteriorating eyesight, it’s more important than ever to ensure road users are medically fit. Awareness campaigns like this are vital to reducing preventable accidents caused by impaired driving.
By promoting personal responsibility and encouraging honest discussions about driving safety, the campaign hopes to drive down road deaths and serious injuries across the UK.
FAQs:
Do I need to report a temporary condition?
Yes, if the condition affects your ability to drive and lasts over three months, you must inform the DVA.
How often do drivers over 70 need to renew their licence?
Every three years, along with a medical declaration confirming fitness to drive.
Can a doctor report a patient to the DVA?
Yes. If a patient refuses to stop driving against medical advice, a doctor can inform the DVA.
