Alarming number of drivers have not had eye test in last two years
A recent survey indicates that almost a quarter of UK drivers have not had an eye test in the last two years.
The poll, commissioned by Churchill Insurance, highlights increasing worries about the absence of mandatory eye checks for drivers after they pass their initial driving test. Currently, drivers only need to prove they can read a number plate from 20 metres away during their test, with no further requirements to demonstrate adequate vision.
The NHS advises eye tests every two years, and drivers are expected to self-report any medical conditions that could impair their driving ability.
In April, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander received a report following the deaths of four people caused by drivers with poor eyesight. The drivers had disregarded opticians' warnings about their deteriorating vision.
The Churchill survey suggested that 83 per cent of UK adults would support compulsory eye tests for drivers every decade.
The figure rises to 88 per cent for those who would be in favour of sight exams every three years once drivers reach 70 years old.
Some 12 per cent of drivers surveyed admitted they either thought their sight was not road legal, or were not sure it was.
Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 240 people were injured and seven were killed in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 in which defective eyesight was a factor.
That was the most casualties since 2017, when the total was 262.
Nicholas Mantel, head of motor insurance at Churchill, said: 'It seems surprising that UK drivers never need to prove that their eyesight is safe enough for driving once they have passed their driving test.
'What is even more remarkable is that some people continue to drive despite suspecting that their eyesight isn't good enough – or are doing so without wearing their prescription lenses or glasses.
'Our research suggests that there's overwhelming public support to make our roads safer by introducing compulsory eyesight tests for drivers.'
Ms Alexander recently told the Commons Transport Select Committee she is 'open to considering' requiring older motorists to pass eye tests to keep their driving licence.
This could be part of the Government's upcoming road safety strategy.
A DfT spokesman said: 'Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.
'The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight.
'We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this.'
The survey was conducted by research company Opinium between May 20-23 among 2,000 UK adults, of whom 1,312 were drivers.
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