What are the dangers of driving and riding with poor eyesight?

Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres on their vehicle can result in a fine and penalty points, but they are less likely to realise that driving with bad vision is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and a ban. Not to mention it can also increase your risk of a crash.

Sharp vision is a necessity on the road. It gives you the best possible ability to read distant signs, the information on your dashboard and any other objects that come into your field of view.

Is your vision roadworthy?

You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate from 20 metres. Eyesight deterioration can be gradual which is why it is important to have your eyes tested at least every two years, or straight away if you notice a problem. Take the advice of your eyecare professional and be prepared to return to them if things deteriorate.

What are the dangers of driving and riding with poor eyesight?

• Poor observation: Poor vision means you may miss seeing and reacting to hazards, such as road debris, other vehicles, and sudden changes in traffic movement.

• Changes to your route: An unexpected diversion or disruption may be missed if you cannot clearly see the road signs.

• Impaired ability at night. Even drivers with great eyesight will find themselves straining harder when driving at night, so if you’ve got already-weak eyesight, you’re making yourself particularly vulnerable. 

Do you need to declare it to the DVLA? 

Drivers and riders must tell the DVLA if they have got any problems with their eyesight that affects both of their eyes, or the remaining eye if they only have one eye - this does not include being short or long sighted or colour blind.

What can you do to maintain good eye health?

Taking care of your vision is vital. The NHS recommends that you should have your eyes tested every 2 years (more often if advised to do so), and since your eyes rarely hurt when something is wrong with them, having regular eye tests is important to help detect potentially harmful conditions.

Mature Drivers

Our eyesight deteriorates as we grow older, and older people’s driving is more likely to be impaired by eyesight problems. Drivers aged over 70 must declare when renewing their licence that their eyesight meets minimum legal standards.

If you feel like it’s time to have your driving skills reviewed, you can find out more about IAM RoadSmart’s Mature Driver Review here. 

Chief Examiner at IAM Roadsmart, Richard Gladman said:

“A check on your eyes should be part of your regular driving routine, together with your routine eye tests check that you still meet the DVSA standards on a regular basis. Check that you can read a modern number plate from 20 metres (with your glasses or contacts if necessary) without straining. As someone who has recently had a cataract monitored and then removed, I can give personal experience of the difference it has made. If you notice any change in your eyes or are starting to find difficulty in conditions of reduced light, then it is time to have a test.”

To find out more, click here.