Compulsory eye tests for drivers every three years?

Specsavers said it tested the eyesight of 500 drivers at a recent motoring event in London and found that over a third fell "way short" of the minimum legal minimum legal requirement, as set out in the Highway Code.

Interestingly, almost all (92%) of the drivers questioned said they believed regular eye examinations should be compulsory at least every three years.

At present, rule 92 of the Highway Code makes it clear that drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres. Anyone needing to wear glasses or contact lenses, must wear them at all times while driving.

However, while the police do have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test, most are only ever asked to read a number plate from the required distance as part of their driving test.

According to previous research by Specsavers, around one in five motorists has not had their eyes tested for over 5 years. In addition, as many as 83% of employers do not insist on their drivers having an eye test.

'Worryingly unsafe'

Specsavers said it would be carrying out further eye checks at other motoring events during the course of the year, as part of its 'Drive Safe' campaign.

The company's founder Dame Mary Perkins said: "It has long been suspected that defective eye sight is a significant contributory factor in road traffic accidents. The objective of our Drive Safe roadshow is to prove that many drivers are unaware that their poor vision could be adversely affecting their driving.

"These results show that a significant number of London’s drivers are worryingly unsafe. Being perceptive and alert as a driver, especially in a congested city such as London is crucial, so it is vital that they have their eyes examined regularly to ensure they are not putting themselves, or anyone else, at risk."

According to Specsavers, although there is no specific requirement for employers to provide eyesight tests for staff who drive for work, they do have a general duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations to assess risks to the safety of employees and to others who may be affected by their activities – including work-related driving.

Also, the Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their staff and others who may be affected by their work activities – again, including occupational driving.

The company also pointed to official guidance on managing work-related road safety from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which suggests employers remind staff who drive for work that they must be able to satisfy the eyesight requirements set out in the Highway Code.