Expert's Stark Warning for Drivers with Vision Problems
An alarming new survey has revealed that many British motorists are taking dangerous risks with their eyesight while driving, prompting a leading optometrist to issue a crucial warning. Dr Nigel Best from Specsavers has emphasised that there's one place you should never be if you're concerned about your vision: behind the wheel, particularly during winter's challenging conditions.
Concerning Statistics Revealed
The research, conducted by OnePoll among 2,000 drivers, uncovered startling figures about vision and road safety. One in six motorists believe they would fail their driving test if required to retake it today, citing bad habits and nerves. Even more concerning, three out of ten drivers admit to being confused by new road signs and driving laws, including vision requirements.
Currently, a quarter of drivers without perfect vision argue that their years of experience compensate for their less-than-ideal eyesight. However, this confidence might be misplaced, especially considering that 56% of drivers are required to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving, yet 28% of this group confess to not wearing them when behind the wheel.
The Dangers of Winter Driving with Poor Vision
Dr Best highlighted the particular risks during colder months: "We have to be so careful, especially at this time of year when we're often driving in wet and dark conditions. Not only when it comes to other vehicles; pedestrians, cyclists and even pets can dart in front of our cars in the blink of an eye."
The survey identified specific visibility challenges drivers face. Potholes or alterations to the road surface topped the list of difficult-to-see hazards, while 19% of drivers have failed to spot cyclists in blind spots or low light conditions. Additionally, 11% struggle to discern lane markings, and a worrying fifth of motorists confessed to having difficulty seeing anything at all during rainfall.
Public Opinion and Safety Measures
In response to these findings, over half (53%) of motorists believe eye tests should be compulsory when renewing a UK driving licence. This sentiment is reinforced by the fact that a third of drivers don't believe poor eyesight is taken seriously enough as a road safety issue, with 13% expressing concern about another person's vision when being driven by them.
When faced with visibility problems, 41% of drivers simply reduce their speed and hope for the best, while 35% avoid night-time driving altogether. One in ten drivers confess to avoiding driving under certain conditions due to eyesight concerns.
Dr Best offered clear advice for those requiring vision correction: "If you do need prescription glasses or contacts to drive, you should always wear them regardless of the journey. It's been reported that most traffic accidents happen close to the person's home, as that's naturally where they do the most driving. So even if you're only going half a mile up the road, you should do all you can to keep yourself and others safe."
