Campaign calls on drivers to sharpen up

A campaign launched today calls on all drivers to sharpen up their act by getting their eyesight tested every two years to ensure their vision meets legal standards and they aren't putting people in danger. The campaign by road safety charity Brake, working alongside the DVLA, insurer RSA and Specsavers, comes as research shows many drivers are failing to ensure they can see properly on every journey.

A survey of 1,000 drivers out today by Brake, RSA and Specsavers finds that a quarter of drivers (26%) haven't had a vision test in the last two years. A worrying one in 11 (9%) admit not visiting the optician for five years or more, or never: for 3% it's been more than a decade and 3% (the equivalent to more than one million UK drivers) have never been.

At the same time, many drivers who know they need glasses or lenses fail to wear them on every journey. Nearly one in 10 (9%) who need glasses or lenses don't always wear them when driving. Furthermore, of those who claimed they don't need glasses or lenses, one in three (32%) haven't had their eyes checked in the last two years, so can't be certain their vision is up to scratch.

Research shows that failing to ensure your vision is good enough to drive is estimated to result in 2,900 road casualties a year, causing trauma and devastation to many victims.

To raise awareness among drivers about their responsibilities, the DVLA is today launching an online education campaign.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, the road safety charity, said: "Being a driver is a huge responsibility, and means you need to look after your own health and fitness to drive as well as making sure your vehicle is roadworthy.

"If your vision isn't up to scratch you are posing an enormous risk on roads, as being able to see properly is fundamental to being a good driver. Your eyesight can deteriorate rapidly without you noticing, and at the wheel that can be lethal. That's why it is so important to get tested every two years and always wear glasses or lenses if you need them when driving. 

Jan Chandaman, Head of Medical Licensing Policy at DVLA, said: "Britain has some of the safest roads in the world and licensing rules play an important part in keeping our roads safe. Reducing road casualties is a top priority for the government.

"All drivers are required by law to meet the appropriate eyesight standard at all times while driving. DVLA regularly remind drivers of the ongoing requirement to meet the eye sight standard and that failure to meet the standard is an offence - this is also included in the Highway Code.

"The number plate test is a simple assessment of vision and can be reproduced regularly by motorists to check whether they meet the standards themselves and by the police at the roadside."

Adrian Brown, CEO of RSA UK & Western Europe, said: "It's no wonder so many people aren't fit to drive when eye tests aren't required by law at any point once you've passed your driving test. Far more regular testing will mean safer, more responsible drivers and will be good for people's health in general too."

Paul Carroll, director of professional services for Specsavers, said: "We have been campaigning through our support of Brake's Sharpen Up campaign and also our own Drive Safe activity for a number of years to make our roads safer for all road users including pedestrians. Taking responsibility for your sight is just as important as car insurance and an MOT."