Road Side Eye Tests
Posted on 6th April 2023 at 17:08
How is your eyesight? Motorists of all ages are being urged to get their eyes tested to ensure they are safe to be on the road and to protect others.
Having an eye test every two years is part of being a responsible driver.
Data from the Association of Optometrists (AOP) found two-thirds of people who wear glasses or contacts are “putting off” paying for vision correction. A further 19 percent of people who need glasses to drive, have not had their eyes tested for three years or more, potentially breaking the law and drivers could face fines of up to £1,000, three penalty points and in some cases, disqualification.
To pass a road-side sight test, drivers have to be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres, this can be with glasses or contact lenses.
Recent research from the Department for Transport, into collisions involving older drivers shows that this failure was a contributory factor in 42.6 per cent of accidents, involving drivers aged over 70.
Eye tests are free to anyone aged 60 or over, as well as to those aged 16 to 18 and in full time education. However, eye tests usually cost between £20 and £30.
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