Recent research shows an astounding number of motorists are driving without meeting the minimum vision requirement. Several think that they are safe since passing the number plate eye test on their driving test which in some cases can be decades ago!
There are new new driving eyesight standards due to be introduced into UK law by 2013 as part of EU Directive 2009/113/EC.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure his/her eyesight is within the law for driving safely.
This problem can only be exacerbated by the Department of Transport who have been reviewing the outdated number plate test with proposals to make it easier rather than harder making it less safe on Britain’s roads. The decision for this has been postponed until at least October this year.
If the D. O. T. want to help decrease accidents on the road then they would do well to make it harder by scrapping the number plate test and getting new driving applicants to take a proper eye test by a registered optician before the applicant can take the test.
Written for Kontrol Sports who retail prescription driving sunglasses.
