1 in 3 drivers 'have poor vision'

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1 in 3 drivers 'have poor vision'

03 Feb 2012

A nationwide campaign for compulsory eye tests for all UK drivers has been launched after research revealed a third of Brits are unable to see properly while driving.

The findings show that one in five Brits have had a driving related incident due to poor vision, leading to damage to their vehicle or a more serious crash. Distance vision, driving at night and reading road signs were all cited as common problems faced.

Vision specialist Ultralase, in partnership with road safety charity Brake, commissioned the research and it has now set up an online petition and campaign to call for eye tests to be made a compulsory part of the national driving test. According to statistics, 89% of the nation supports this.

Martin Howard, from Brake, said: "We urge drivers to remember the appalling consequences that can result from poor eyesight at the wheel. Get your eyes tested at least every two years, and never drive without glasses or lenses if you need them."

The campaign hopes that its research results will make drivers take their eyesight more seriously. For those learning to use a car, an eye exam might become part of their motoring test, and could be taken into account when they seek learner driver insurance.