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Eyesight checks about safety, police say

Health staff and officers from Gwent Police last week carried out what is believed to be the UK's first survey of drivers' eyesight.

More than 500 drivers and motorcyclists took part in the one-day roadside research near Abergavenny, which is hoped will yield information to improve road safety.

Inspector Glyn Fernquest said: "There are big things made about speed but there are other contributory factors. We wanted to ask if there was an issue with drivers' eyesight. It's not about stopping people and giving them big fines - that's not about road safety."

Currently drivers can, perfectly legally, go up to 53 years without having their eyes tested. According to the Royal National Institute for the Blind a third of the UK's drivers, about 13 million people, could be breaking the law and putting themselves and others in danger because of poor vision.

Drivers were told the tests were voluntary and anonymous, and were then asked to look at four number plates mounted on poles a distance of 10m, 15m, 20m and 25m. The minimum standard for new drivers is 20m - but one motorist was only able to read the number plate 10m away.

Involvement in the survey was voluntary and no criminal action was taken against anyone failing the tests. However, drivers deemed to be a potential danger because of their poor eyesight were not allowed to drive on, but taken to their destination by officers and warned to have an urgent eye test.

It is hoped that the research will initiate a debate on whether to call for more education, or even legislation such as mandatory eye tests for drivers.

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20.02.06 - DIA suggests five yearly tests for all drivers