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More than 3.8 million women motorists with vision problems admit to driving without their spectacles because they are embarrassed to look unfashionable, according to new research.

The 'Vanity and Vision' poll of over 1,500 female motorists conducted by insurer Sheilas' Wheels, revealed 11 per cent of respondents admitted to being involved in an accident or near-miss in the past 12 months as a result of poor vision.

Figures also revealed that more than a third (34 per cent) of women polled feel 'self conscious' in glasses and almost a quarter (23 per cent) feel that their spectacles make them feel 'unfashionable'. Just over a quarter (26 per cent) questioned admitted they had chosen fashion sunglasses over prescription lenses at least once while driving.

Moreover, 16 per cent of respondents admitted to not wearing appropriate eyewear while driving because they had failed to keep their existing prescription up to date and had failed to visit an eye care practitioner in the past two years.

Over 55 per cent of women polled also admitted to slowing down to read road signs, potentially endangering other drivers.

Commenting on the findings, Kelly Plahay, director of the Eyecare Trust, pointed out that the women who failed to wear appropriate vision correction when driving were not only endangering their lives but breaking the law every time they got behind the wheel.

Jacky Brown of Sheilas' Wheels car insurance added: 'We are urging women to get regular eye examinations, always wear glasses while driving if they need to, and invest in a pair of fashionable prescription sunglasses so they can look fantastic and drive safely.'

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