More of us are wearing glasses than ever – in fact, according to recent data, around 48 million people in the UK use corrective eyewear or lenses. Of course, impaired vision can massively impact our judgement on the road. So if you own a pair of spectacles and you also happen to drive, it’s important to pay attention to this one major safety warning.
Experts from the used car company Motor Match revealed: “A significant number of drivers may underestimate just how vital it is to wear their prescription glasses when driving. The Highway Code exists for the safety of everyone on the road and clear vision is, of course, fundamental to safe driving.”
It’s easy to forget your glasses, pop them in a case, or switch them out for a pair of sunnies. But doing this can put your and others at massive risk. Anything less than a -0.5 prescription is legally considered a hazard on the road. If you’re not familiar with the Snellen chart, this basically means you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away. If not, you need to book yourself in for an eye test. This is because poor eyesight can slow your reaction time and lead you to missing important items in your field of vision. According to the road accident charity RoSPA, in 2022, there were 176 motoring accidents in which ‘uncorrected, defective eyesight’ was reported as a contributory factor. Concerningly, a 2021 survey found that just less than half of all drivers who need glasses wear them all the time when they’re in the car.
It’s not just your safety that’s on the line, either. Motorists with prescription glasses who are caught driving without them can be fined up to £1,000 and find themselves with three points on their licence. Even more seriously, you may find yourself in court for breaking the Highway Code rule.
This is even more of a concern in cold weather. Lower temperatures usually entail hail, snow and rain, which limit visibility and even lead to dangerous hard-to-spot conditions like black ice. Motor Match advised: “As the chill of winter sets in, drivers are being urged to stay extra vigilant. The combination of harsh weather, dwindling daylight, and treacherous roads means that top-notch reaction times and crystal-clear vision are crucial.
“Wearing your glasses ensures you can fully see the road and any hazards, maximising safety for everyone. Poor vision while driving not only makes it harder to see what’s ahead, but also affects your judgement of distances and speeds, which could prove catastrophic in an emergency.”