Motoring news
15/07/2008
Car insurance undermined by short sighted motorists
One in four drivers could be invalidating their car insurance because they do not have good enough eyesight to drive without corrective lenses, according to a survey by Specsavers.
The law requires drivers to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres in good conditions, (that's about five car lengths) and those who fail to do so, are not permitted to drive without prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
Anyone whose eyesight does not reach the legal requirement, yet takes control of a vehicle is breaking the law and committing a serious driving offence.
The research was carried out at this year's Royal Highland Show where Specsavers opticians tested 160 visitors as they left the show. They found that many more people failed the legal driving eyesight requirement than they had expected.
Specsavers advise that everyone should have a yearly eye test, not only to check ability to drive safely, but so that damage to sight is minimized. If people carry on their daily lives whilst in need of corrective lenses, they eyesight could deteriorate rapidly.
A duck2water spokesperson said, "This research means that there are many motorists on the road who are unlikely to be able to see adequately. It is a worrying finding as road safety is obviously being compromised and car insurance undermined."
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