Millions of Britons could be at risk of huge fines as older drivers urged to 'get regular eye tests'
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GB NEWS
More than one million people across the UK could be driving illegally, according to new data, prompting calls for urgent changes to be made.
New research has found that a quarter of UK adults haven't had an eye test in the past two years, while 2.8 million people have never had an eye test as an adult.
Experts are warning that the high proportion of people driving without suitable eyesight which meets the legal minimum requirement could have serious consequences for road safety.
One in 10 motorists were unable to read a number plate from 20 metres, which is the minimum requirement to safely operate a vehicle.
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Drivers are being urged to ensure they are getting eye tests regularly to remain safe behind the wheel
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Data from the Department for Transport shows that driving with uncorrected and defective eyesight led to 182 fatal or serious collisions last year.
Of those who haven't ever had an eye test as an adult, around 60 per cent of these said they didn't feel like they needed a test because they felt they could "see okay".
Over a quarter of people said the cost of having an eye test put them off from getting a test, as well as the cost of a prescription.
Around 3.5 million drivers - or seven per cent of motorists - suspect that their eyesight is not road legal.
Commenting on the data, Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: "Our roads are safest when every driver takes responsibility not only for their vehicle but also for their own health and capability to drive safely.
"It’s important that drivers have regular eye tests to ensure that they are fit to drive. Eyesight tends to deteriorate slowly, so drivers may not notice the decline in vision unless they get regular tests.
"Blurred or poor vision can lead to delayed decision-making and response, increasing the risk of accidents. For those who do have glasses or lenses for driving, it is important to wear them to, keeping yourself and others safer on the road."
One in four drivers admitted they were unable to read road signs, while 21 per cent said they had a "near miss" because of not wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Other vision-related issues included having a road traffic accident (15 per cent) and damaging their car by hitting an object (14 per cent).
Abbas Pirai, an optician from Hodd, Barnes and Dickens, was one of the key players involved in the study and said it was "incredibly worrying" that many drivers fall foul of the rules.
They added: "Many drivers do not realise that even minor vision issues can significantly reduce their ability to see signs, the dashboard, pedestrians, and other cars, affecting their ability to drive safely."
Pirai warned drivers that regular eye tests are not just a health recommendation, but are a necessary step to ensure all Britons are fit to operate a vehicle on the road.
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The survey highlighted the importance of getting regular eyesight testsPAA Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.
"The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years, and while we do not have plans to change eyesight requirements for driving, we continue to explore ways to improve road safety."
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