Monday 23 February 2004 - News - Road safety
One in ten drivers have poor eyesight
As many as 10% of motorists
are driving with sub-standard eyesight, it was revealed today.
The problem could be getting worse as the number of people having eye tests has fallen for the first time in 10 years, according to Asda.
The statistics were published as the supermarket launched a campaign to highlight the problem of drivers with eyesight problems.
David Rutley, director of financial services at Asda, said: "There are currently around 3.5 million drivers on Britain's roads who can't see properly and what's more, one in 10 drivers has never had their eyes tested.
"There are enough hazards on today's roads without poor eyesight adding to them. More 20/20 vision on our roads means fewer accidents and fewer insurance claims, helping to keep the cost of insurance low.
"Motorists must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (57 feet) and have a 120 degree wide field of vision. All drivers should have their eyes checked at least every two years, as eyesight can deteriorate, particularly over the age of 50."
Johnny Thomson
The problem could be getting worse as the number of people having eye tests has fallen for the first time in 10 years, according to Asda.
The statistics were published as the supermarket launched a campaign to highlight the problem of drivers with eyesight problems.
David Rutley, director of financial services at Asda, said: "There are currently around 3.5 million drivers on Britain's roads who can't see properly and what's more, one in 10 drivers has never had their eyes tested.
"There are enough hazards on today's roads without poor eyesight adding to them. More 20/20 vision on our roads means fewer accidents and fewer insurance claims, helping to keep the cost of insurance low.
"Motorists must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (57 feet) and have a 120 degree wide field of vision. All drivers should have their eyes checked at least every two years, as eyesight can deteriorate, particularly over the age of 50."
Johnny Thomson
