Did you know that all motorists have a legal responsibility to ensure they meet minimum eyesight standards every time they get behind the wheel?
There are different standards depending on the type of vehicle you drive. If you suffer from certain eye conditions you may also be required to notify the DVLA or DVA in Northern Ireland.
Poor vision puts you and other road users at risk. Drivers with defective eyesight will struggle to stay in lane, keep a constant speed or read road signs. Impaired vision also hampers your ability to react to unexpected hazards and increases the risk of fatigue on longer journeys.
The best way to ensure your eyes are fit to drive is to have regular eye tests, once every two years, or sooner if you notice a change in your vision.
This is particularly important as you age as your vision can decline gradually without you being aware of a change. In fact, glaucoma can steel up to 40% of your vision before you even notice.
If you drive with vision that falls below the minimum legal standards you face up to a £1,000 fine, three penalty points and potential revocation of you licence. Your insurance may also be invalid too.
Listen again to the 'Is Your Vision Roadworthy?' podcast as our guests chat about the importance of good vision for driving.
Host, Adam Cox is joined by Dr Parendeep Bilkhu from the College of Optometrists, Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum & Ed Fox of Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
Polarised lenses and anti-reflective coatings can help minimise visual discomfort caused by glare from the sun or on-coming headlights. Don't forget you can also use your visor to shield your eyes from low sun.
If you have been prescribed glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure you wear them whenever you get behind the wheel - no matter how short your journey is.
Don't be tempted to swap prescription eyewear for non-prescription sunglasses. Contact lens wearers may also find it handy to keep a spare pair of prescription glasses in their glove boxes incase of emergencies.
Join our webinar to hear how 80-year-old Margaret Filey manages to stay on the road despite suffering age-related macular degeneration.
TV Legend, Valarie Singleton OBE is joined by Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum, Henry Leonard from the AOP and Margaret Filey for a lively discussion about vision and driving.
90% OF INFORMATION A DRIVER USES IS VISUAL
* Various studies inc. Hyerle, 00 & North, 93