Poor driver vision exposed in darker evenings
GEM Motoring Assist has warned collisions linked to poor driver vision could increase after the clocks go back on Saturday evening.
Up to 3,000 casualties every year in the UK are linked to poor driver vision, with one in seven people saying a relative, friend or co-worker is breaking the law by driving with poor eyesight.
Meanwhile, one in five drivers has not had an eye test in more than two years.
GEM Motoring Assist has warned that any eyesight issues will be exacerbated by the return of darker evening, with collision risk rising around 20% on dark, wet evenings compared with dry daylight conditions. It has said that defective vision is not just a risk for the driver but also for any passengers and other road users.
Vision loss
James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety, said: “Vision loss can creep up gradually, and many people don’t realise how much their sight has deteriorated. Regular eye checks should be as routine as an MOT for your car.”
It is now urging drivers to:
- Book an eye test
- Clean your windscreen, mirrors and spectacles
- Check your headlights and rear lights frequently, ensuring bulbs and lenses are clean and functional.
- Plan your journey around poor weather
- Slow down or stop somewhere safe if you find yourself dazzled by low sunlight or headlight glare.
