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A groundbreaking study conducted by The University of Warwick has revealed that an estimated 720,000 motorists in the UK are driving with defective eyesight, sparking serious concerns about road safety. The research, the largest-ever roadside vision screening survey in the country, was carried out in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the Older Drivers Forum, and Eye Health UK.
The study involved police forces across England and Wales conducting number plate tests on 3,010 drivers, with shocking results. A total of 1.7% of drivers failed the test, which equates to approximately 720,642 motorists. Among those tested, 3.2% received warnings or had their licenses revoked, while 1.4% faced immediate revocation of their driving licenses.
The findings are especially concerning given that 40% of motorists had not undergone an eye test in the last two years, despite recommendations for regular check-ups. Additionally, one-third of the drivers surveyed needed corrective lenses for driving, yet half of those who failed the roadside vision test were not wearing their prescribed glasses.
Dr. Carol Hawley of Warwick Medical School, who led the analysis, emphasized the need for action. “While most drivers passed, 96 required eyesight-related advice, and 50 drivers failed outright. Of these, half avoided a driving ban only because they had corrective glasses available to pass a second attempt,” she said.
The survey also highlighted a concerning trend among older drivers, with 10.2% of those aged 81 to 90 failing the vision test. This group is particularly vulnerable, given the natural decline in vision that comes with age.
David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK, underscored the vital role of vision in driving. “Ninety percent of the information needed for driving is visual. Even minor reductions in vision can impair reaction times, hazard recognition, and contrast sensitivity. Regular eye tests are essential to ensure safety on the roads,” he said.
The report, titled “Is Your Vision Roadworthy?” also included a poignant message from Terry Cunningham, whose mother and her friend were tragically killed by a motorist with severely impaired vision. Cunningham hopes the findings will raise awareness about the legal responsibility drivers have to ensure their vision is fit for the road.
Rob Heard, founder of the Older Drivers Forum, stressed the importance of regular sight tests for older motorists. “This report underlines the need for regular sight tests to ensure driving safety and detect medical conditions that could impact vision,” he said.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, NPCC Lead for Roads Policing, concluded the study with a clear message: “Personal responsibility is key. Ensuring your vision meets the legal standard is vital for the safety of all road users.”
UK law requires drivers to be able to read a number plate from 20 meters and meet specific visual acuity standards. Drivers are urged to ensure their vision is roadworthy and comply with these regulations to maintain safety on the roads. For more information and advice on keeping your vision up to standard, visit VisionAndDriving.info.
For further details, read the full report: [Is Your Vision Roadworthy?](www.visionanddriving.info/_fil … a351fe4ebf7c1377.pdf).
