A study by Leeds Beckett University, of 30 people with an average age of 45, found that all of the respondents had driven with uncorrected vision at least twice in the past six months. And drivers were even less likely to wear glasses for short and familiar journeys.
Dr Fiona Fylan, a specialist in health psychology and risk-taking, said: ‘While risky driving behaviours, like drink driving or using your mobile phone while driving, are seen as unacceptable, those involved in the study didn’t regard driving with uncorrected vision as serious or detrimental.’
'Previous research found people who drive without wearing their glasses had four times the crash risk of those without it,’ said Dr Fylan.
The drivers interviewed would, however, choose to wear their glasses in bad weather conditions, at night-time or if they were tired, but wouldn’t choose to wear them in the morning when they believed they were more alert.
There was also a difference revealed in where drivers thought wearing their glasses was appropriate. Respondents said they would wear glasses on motorways, despite most collisions and casualties taking place in urban environments.
One respondent said: ‘I don’t wear them all the time for driving, I have to be honest with you, I don’t know why because when I do put them on I can see quite sharp.'
While another one said: ‘I was recently told [my eyesight] was borderline without the glasses but I am still driving without them.’
‘Those who took part in the study didn’t wear glasses because they didn’t feel confident or comfortable wearing them, or they just didn’t like wearing them,’ Dr Fylan added.