Brake Call For Compulsory, Regular Eye Tests For Drivers

Brake Call For Compulsory, Regular Eye Tests For Drivers

Brake have again called for government intervention and action regarding the regular eye testing of drivers and motorists in the UK, and are recommending compulsory checks. Whilst the eye health of everyone and not just motorists is vitally important in everyday life, the road safety charity believes it is a necessary change that is required in order to keep our roads safe.

Brake, the road safety charity, focuses on keep UK roads safe, and in its words, 'end devastating road casualties, make communities safer and support suffering crash victims.' One of the main aspects of their campaigns in recent years is making sure that those using our highways are doing so with a good level of vision, in order to safely navigate. More stringent eye sight testing has been something they have long called for.

A recent survey from RSA Insurance and Specsavers revealed a number of worrying statistics, but also a large wave of support for regular eye exams for drivers.

  • 87% believe sight tests upon renewing or applying for their drivers licence is a good idea
  • 1 in 4 have not received an eye test in the last 2 years
  • 3 in 25 have not received an eye test in the last 5 years
  • 1 in 25 people have never had an eye examination
  • 4 in 5 people will visit an optician should they have an eye/vision problem
  • 3 in 25 people drive without eye wear that they know is required

Brake and other groups have called current vision testing in the UK via the 'number plate check' outdated and a 'relic' of the 1930's. It is perceived that current procedures in the UK are far behind standards in the EU and more advanced testing methods should now be introduced, and regularly.