Older drivers have been urged to regularly have one thing tested before getting behind the wheel in a bid to avoid a higher risk of accidents and a hefty fine. Whilst many Brits over the age of 70 feel perfectly confident on the roads, it is important that they regularly receive medical checks to make sure they can use a car safely.
The motoring experts at the tyre retailer BlackCircles suggested that one of the most important checks a driver should make is an eye test, with those failing to do so at risk of a significant penalty. They advised: “It is very important for drivers to have regular eye tests and, if needed, wear glasses while driving. Drivers with poor eyesight could face up to £1,000 fine and a three-point penalty. This is particularly important for older drivers, as eyesight can change regularly.”
Even if a driver feels that their eyesight is perfectly acceptable to use behind the wheel, it is a good idea to be checked by an optician regularly, with older drivers potentially being requested to do so in order to stay on the roads.
To be deemed fit to drive, motorists must be able to read a vehicle’s number plate from 20 metres away and have an adequate field of vision in order to clearly see if other road users are around them.
Motorists who have insufficient eyesight are putting themselves at risk of fines of up to £1,000, three licence points, and a much higher risk of accidents caused by limited reaction times.
Similarly, BlackCircles recommended that drivers also avoid wearing heavily tinted sunglasses, which can result in even more severe consequences.
They added: “Wearing certain types of sunglasses can actually add points to your licence. Sunglasses that are very dark and only transmit three to eight percent of light are illegal to wear whilst driving. This is because they can affect your sight, which is a hazard.
“Drivers caught wearing these sunglasses could face a hefty £5,000 fine and 9 penalty points.”
