A widow who lost her husband in a fatal road accident is advocating for a nationwide policy requiring all drivers to retake their driving test every 10 years. Sarah Massey, 58, argues that such measures would verify motorists’ ongoing competence and potentially prevent tragedies on the roads.
The Tragic Incident Behind the Campaign
Sarah’s husband, Ian Massey, perished in December 2015 following a collision on the A5 in Leicestershire. An elderly driver, traveling in the wrong direction, struck Ian’s motorbike, leading to his untimely death. This heartbreaking event has fueled Sarah’s push for stricter road safety protocols.
Sarah emphasizes the need for periodic evaluations across all age groups, with particular attention on older drivers. She stated, “People pass their driving test and they can be driving 50, 60 years and nobody at all bothers to ask about their competency. It would be phenomenal if we could all be retested every 10 years or so because nobody checks to see are you capable of driving this machine.”
She further noted that regular retesting could have altered the outcome in her case: “If she [the driver] would have been retested regularly for her driving abilities… he [her husband] probably would be alive today, if her driving licence had been revoked.”
Government’s Road Safety Overhaul
Current initiatives include a comprehensive review of road safety regulations, with drivers over 70 facing mandatory eyesight examinations. Officials have indicated that cognitive assessments for older motorists remain under consideration for future implementation.
The Massey family supports these developments but believes they fall short of comprehensive reform. A parliamentary petition demanding mandatory retests for drivers aged 70 and above is underway, scheduled to conclude in May. Advocates assert that enhanced checks for older drivers would improve safety for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all road users alike.
Official Response on Balancing Independence and Safety
A Department for Transport spokesperson commented, “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with Ian’s loved ones. We know driving is important for older people’s independence, but this must be balanced with safety. All drivers have a legal responsibility to report medical conditions to the DVLA.”
