According to the road safety organisation, GEM Motoring Assist, up to 3,000 road casualties annually are linked to poor driver vision. As the clocks are going back soon and darker nights are coming, the risk of a collision increases by around 20% on dark, wet evenings compared to dry daylight hours.
As the clocks go back and darker evenings return, GEM Motoring Assist is raising concerns about the number of UK drivers on the roads with substandard eyesight.
Worryingly, one in seven people admits to knowing someone who is breaking the law by not meeting the minimum eyesight requirements to drive. Despite this, one in five drivers has not had an eye test in over two years.
James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety
“Vision loss can creep up gradually, and many people don’t realise how much their sight has deteriorated. Regular eye checks should be as routine as an MOT for your car”
GEM’s advice to drivers:
- Book an eye test, especially if you’ve noticed any changes in your vision.
- Clean your windscreen, mirrors, and glasses before every journey.
- Check your lights regularly to make sure they’re working and clean.
- Avoid tinted lenses at night, which can make it harder to spot hazards.
- Plan ahead around poor weather and delay travel if conditions worsen.
- Take breaks if you’re dazzled by glare from headlights or low sun, and don’t drive until your vision returns.
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