RAC and optical industry remind drivers of visual needs
Motorists are being urged to carry a spare pair of up-to-date glasses when driving, especially when abroad, as the demands of unfamiliar road signs put heavy demands on vision.
The RAC and Federation of Manufacturing Opticians have joined forces to encourage all those who get behind the wheel to ensure the ten point check:
- Ensure you have the correct prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Carry a spare pair of glasses in case of accidents
- Ensure the lenses are clean
- Consider polarised or polarised photochromics to reduce glare
- Discuss reflection-free lenses with your optician
- Explore prescription Vista-Mesh lenses to reduce glare from headlights at night
- Never wear tinted or sunglasses at night, or in poor visibility
- Be aware that UK Police can carry out roadside eye tests
- Consider a UK licence revoke can be immediate if Police find poor vision
- Book an MOT of your driving vision every year
A total of 609 UK motorists have had their driving licences revoked after failing a roadside eye test since the introduction of Cassie’s Law in 2013, which gave the Police new powers, according to Optometry Today.
In 2011, 16 year-old Cassie McCord died from injuries sustained when a motorist lost control of his car in Colchester. It later emerged that the driver, 87 year old Colin Horsfall, had been advised by the Police three days before not to drive following a minor collision. At this time he failed a sight test, but the Police had no powers to suspend his licence immediately. The subsequent campaign resulted in a change to the law which allowed licences to be revoked, in urgent cases, immediately by the Police.
RAC European breakdown Operations Manager David Huggon commented:
“As a precaution the RAC advises all motorists who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to take a spare pair of glasses with them when driving, both at home and especially abroad, as finding a replacement pair in a foreign country could prove difficult.
“Ultimately, if your vision isn't up to scratch you are putting other road users’ lives at risk. We therefore advise motorists to have regular eye examinations at least every two years, or sooner if their sight changes.”
