Driving without good vision or corrective eyewear is deadly

Date published: 21 November 2011

As road Safety Week (21- 27 November) approaches, a local optician has decided to tackle the issue of poor driver eyesight head on.

To raise awareness of the importance of drivers having their eyes tested regularly, a local optician is inviting local taxi and bus drivers for a free eye test during Road Safety Week in an effort to ensure they are driving safely.

Store director, Dale Coxon, says: "Driving without good vision or corrective eyewear is deadly and puts you and other road users in danger.

"That’s why we have decided to offer taxi and bus drivers the chance to check their vision is up to scratch. We want to highlight the importance of regular eye tests for drivers, especially for those who drive for a living.’"

The initiative comes following new research which shows that drivers with poor eyesight are 62 percent more likely to stray out of their lane when driving.

The new research, commissioned earlier this year by Brunel University and insurance provider Royal Sun Alliance (RSA), also reveals that the quality of a driver’s vision has a fundamental impact on their driving performance.

The study also indicates that drivers who meet the minimum legal eyesight requirement for driving only recognise three-quarters of the road signs they encounter, compared to drivers with good vision.

Mr Coxon adds: "Being perceptive and alert as a driver - especially on congested roads - is essential, so it’s particularly important to have an eye check every two years. Patients with certain conditions may need more frequent examinations. Drivers that choose to ignore that advice are putting themselves and others in danger."

The results of the study come at a time when the UK government is considering plans to relax vision standards for motorcyclists and car drivers. This comes despite calls from leading optical bodies and road safety groups for more stringent testing, as well as a new report from the European Parliament calling for 10-yearly tests for all motorcyclists and car drivers, with testing for over-65s every five years.

Katie Shephard, director of fundraising at national road safety charity Brake, says: "As a charity that supports families devastated by road deaths and injuries, we recognise how vital it is to ensure that all drivers have good eyesight.

"Being able to see what’s in front and around you clearly is fundamental to safe and, responsible driving. To make our roads safer, we believe there is a need for a scientific eye examination, carried out when you qualify as a driver and regularly thereafter."

Specsavers has campaigned throughout the last decade for legislation to be introduced to make sight tests compulsory as part of the driving test.

Working with Brake and police constabularies across the UK, Specsavers has toured motor shows and county shows nationwide with its Drive Safe trailer, screening drivers’ vision.

Research conducted at these roadshows has concluded that two in every five drivers would fail an eye examination and should be wearing prescription glasses when driving. Additionally, over 85 percent of people believe that eye examinations should be compulsory when renewing a driver’s licence.

Cabbies and bus drivers should pre-book appointments stating that they are booking the appointment as part of the Road Safety Week driver eyesight awareness campaign, and bring proof of employment.