Short-sighted drivers taking road risks

Almost one in five (18 per cent) short-sighted drivers have taken to the road without wearing their prescription glasses or contact lenses, according to new research.

This equates to more than three million drivers, and 17 per cent of these short-sighted drivers (over half a million drivers) admit to driving without their glasses or contact lenses once every few days.

The research from Privilege Insurance also found that around three per cent of all drivers who have an eyesight prescription, representing 500,000 motorists, have been involved in a driving accident.

Such accidents include drifting out of lane, exceeding the speed limit or even driving on the wrong side of the road while not wearing their glasses or contact lenses.

Deacon Harle, chief executive of the Institute of Optometry, said: "Reduced vision can have a significant and probably dangerous effect on driver competence. For those unsure if they require glasses, an eye examination with a qualified optometrist is vital as this can detect any changes in vision or eye diseases before the effects on driving are felt.

"For those that already wear glasses or contact lenses, it is imperative that they are the correct prescription and that they have regular eyesight check ups. The correct optical equipment for driving is essential - and this can include prescription sunglasses, anti- reflection spectacle lenses and contact lenses."

Ian Parker, managing director of Privilege Insurance commented: "Surprisingly our research has uncovered a large number of motorists who haven't recently had an eye test, so may be completely unaware if they require glasses or not."

He urged all drivers to have annual eye tests and to always wear glasses or contact lenses when needed, "no mater how short their journey".

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