DVLA records have highlighted that certain age groups are more likely to lose their driving privileges, with those born between 1934 and 1943 facing the highest risk of licence revocation at a rate of 10.2 per cent. This comes as a result of failing to meet eyesight standards.
Dr Carol Hawley from Warwick Medical School commented: “Fortunately, the majority of drivers passed the test, but 96 drivers needed eyesight-related advice from officers.” She added, “A third of all drivers stopped needed corrective glasses or lenses for driving, but worryingly 40% of drivers had not had their eyesight checked for over two years. Fifty drivers failed the roadside test and alarmingly 50% of those prescribed glasses for driving were not wearing them when stopped.”
Some drivers managed to avoid a ban by having their glasses in the car and passing the test on a second try. David Cartwright, an optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK, emphasised the importance of vision in driving, stating: “Ninety per cent of information needed for driving is visual. Even a minor reduction in vision can slow reaction times and impair your ability to recognise hazards or judge speed.”, reports Birmingham Live.
He also mentioned, “It can also cause fatigue and affect contrast sensitivity – essential for adjusting to glare and driving in low light conditions. Having regular eye tests, every two years or sooner if you notice a change in your vision is essential to keep you and other road users safe.”
The DVLA data reveals that 5.9 per cent of those over 90 were affected. One per cent of under 25s had their licence revoked due to vision issues, with 0.2 per cent of those aged 25-40 impacted.
This figure increased to 1 per cent for the 41-60 age group. The percentage rose further to 1.8 per cent for those aged 61-70 and 2.3 per cent for individuals between 71 and 80 years old, as shown by the data released ahead of Christmas.
A new rule could see three million lose their licence if motoring bosses at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) accept the demands of optometrists and families of victims. The Association of optometrists is calling for the law to be changed so that all drivers have their vision checked when they first apply for a driving license when renewing it and checks every three years for those over seventy.
New research published last month saw six in 10 optometrists claiming they’ve seen a patient in the last month who continues to drive despite their vision being below the legal standard. The Association of Optometrists is calling for the law to be changed so that all drivers have their vision checked when they first apply for a driving licence when renewing it and checks every three years for those over 70.
Emma added: “If you are all worried about anybody your mum, your dad, your brother, a friend, anybody Please please please encourage them to get an eyesight check because it may well be absolutely fine. But if you’re not sure, please get it checked.”
The Association of Optometrists found six in 10 of its members have seen a patient who is driving illegally within the past month. It estimates a tenth of the more than 30 million British motorists may have sub-standard vision – meaning three million could lose their licence if the DVSA adopts the law change proposal.
Chief executive Adam Sampson said: “This is a stark reminder of why UK roads are not as safe as they should be.” Surveys of 910 optometrists, medical experts who conduct eye tests and health checks, found half of them have multiple law-breaking patients.
Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated. DVLA rules stipulate drivers should be able to read a numberplate from 66 feet (20m) away.
They should also be able to read at least six rows of letters on the Snellen wall chart. People must also report to the DVLA when they lose part or all of their sight. Professor Julie-Anne Little, past chair of the AOP, said: “Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated over time. Having poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times and the ability to drive safely.
“It doesn’t take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic consequences.” Mr Sampson added: “The number plate test is not an adequate test of vision. The law should be updated to ensure all drivers are required to have their vision checked and this should be done by reliable means.”