Research commissioned by Zeiss Vision Care UK shows that the UK public believe regulations on eyesight for driving should be stricter.
Of those polled, 85% believed that an eye test should be mandatory before learner drivers can begin driving, with 67% wanting annual eye tests to be made a requirement for drivers once they reach 50. When asked whether annual driving tests should be made the law for over 70s, this figure rose to 84%.
Recent DVLA figures revealed that, due to poor eyesight, 7,000 adults have their licenses revoked each year. Poor vision also causes 2,900 casualties per year, with 12 learner drivers failing their test per week because they fail the number plate element of the test.
Professional services manager at Zeiss, Sofia Fazal commented: ‘It’s clear that current regulations are failing to ensure that motorists’ eye sight meets a safe standard.
'A person’s vision changes beyond recognition between 18 and 80. A learner driver may pass the number plate 20.5 metre driving test requirement aged 18, but never have another eye test and still be on the roads seven decades later.
'Our research shows that there is just as much appetite for a change in the law amongst the public as there is amongst road safety organisations, and we would welcome a fresh look at the current legislation.'