During the past 12 months we have seen one in three drivers fail the basic test of being able to read a number plate at 20 metres. I would not have believed these figures unless I had seen for myself and actually witnessed so many failures.
So much money has been invested in safer roads and technology to make cars safer, but surely a driver being able to see to drive safely is fundamental?
Being able to see clearly is obviously one of the most fundamental requirements for driving. Yet, the test of vision still remains the same as when it was introduced in the 1930s: the ability to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres on the day of the driving test.
If a driver passes this rudimentary check, then potentially they never have to verify their vision again (different rules apply for some groups such as HGV drivers, bus drivers, motorcyclists, etc).
The law is ambiguous in that this practical test of vision is all that is needed to qualify for a licence but in actual fact drivers must have ‘a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale’ as well as ‘adequate field of vision’.
In theory all drivers should visit their optician regularly to ensure their vision meets the requirements. This is not enforced, however, and is often a retrospective measure; in other words, it is a law that is generally applied after a collision, to ascertain responsibility.
In Ireland, a full eyesight report must be submitted along with any application for a provisional driving licence. The eyesight test must be carried out by a medical practitioner or registered optometrist and checks both visual acuity (ability to see over distance) and field of vision (peripheral vision).
Specsavers has long campaigned for all UK drivers to have a full eyesight check, by a qualified optometrist, when they apply for their licence and, ideally, every two years thereafter. Even if the law only required an eyesight report when a licence is renewed every ten years, this would be a considerable improvement to the current situation.
The vast majority of employees qualify for company-funded eyecare under health and safety regulations relating to the use of display screens. It would make sense for legislation regarding eyecare for drivers to also be in place.
While employers may be concerned about driver eyesight, many probably do not realise that they actually share some of the responsibility when it comes to employees driving for work purposes. An employer’s duty of care relates to all work activities and, therefore, includes ensuring that employees are fit to drive. Until comprehensive legislation is put in place, employers would be wise to consider implementing their own eyecare policy.