Driving regulations are constantly evolving, but one that’s extremely important is for those who wear glasses to ensure they put them on before they get behind the wheel. While it may sound obvious, a huge percentage of drivers have admitted to flouting this law.
Motor Match experts have cautioned: “A significant number of drivers may underestimate just how vital it is to wear their prescription glasses when driving. The Highway Code exists for the safety of everyone on the road and clear vision is, of course, fundamental to safe driving.”
Leaving your spectacles tucked away in their case, switching to non-prescription sunglasses, or even resting your glasses on top of your head and forgetting about them, can lead to legal trouble for motorists, ChronicleLive reports.
You may think it’s unlikely that drivers would forget such a simple thing but a 2021 survey showed that fewer than half the drivers who require glasses actually wear them every time they’re driving.
Inadequate vision while driving endangers not just the driver, but also others, by diminishing reaction times for unexpected events like emergency stops.
Forgetting your corrective lenses could land you in hot water with a fine up to £1,000, along with a potential three points on your licence. Worse still, such an oversight could see you facing legal proceedings in court for breaking the Highway Code.
Wearing the correct prescription glasses is especially vital in winter months when poor weather hampers visibility and lengthens braking distances due to rain, ice, or snow.
The experts cautioned: “As the chill of winter sets in, drivers are being urged to stay extra vigilant. The combination of harsh weather, dwindling daylight, and treacherous roads means that top-notch reaction times and crystal-clear vision are crucial.”
They advised: “Wearing your glasses ensures you can fully see the road and any hazards, maximising safety for everyone. Poor vision while driving not only makes it harder to see what’s ahead, but also affects your judgement of distances and speeds, which could prove catastrophic in an emergency.”
Additionally, regular eye checks are a must, with experts recommending tests every two years – or sooner if your optician recommends it. To meet driving vision standards, one must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
