Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has lent his support for calls to improve awareness among UK drivers about the importance of having an up-to-date eye test before getting behind the wheel.
Research by Vision Express has found that 15% of drivers had not had an eye test since they passed their driving test - on average - 14 years previously. It is estimated that crashes involving a driver with poor vision cause 2,900 casualties each year.
Mark attended an event in Parliament where MPs tested a driving simulator which replicated the experience of driving with Glaucoma. The event was held by Vision Express during Road Safety Week 2017 (Nov 20-26) and was designed to help raise awareness about the importance of having regular eye tests.
Speaking after using the driving simulator, Mark commented:
“Many people don’t realise that changes in sight can be gradual, and experts say that it’s possible to lose up to 40% of your vision before even noticing it. That’s why drivers of all ages have a responsibility to themselves, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians to ensure they take their eye health seriously. Using the driving simulator I experienced for myself just how dangerous it can be to drive with impaired vision.”
Mark continued:
“Thanks to our great location at the heart of the motorway network, Rugby is home to many delivery drivers because of the thriving logistics industry and investment from a number of major distribution businesses. It’s absolutely vital that these drivers in particular, who spend much of their day on the road, take their eye health seriously.”
Mark concluded:
“It’s absolutely right that, efforts to improve road safety have focussed on speeding, drug and drink driving, driver fatigue and mobile phone use. However, the importance of eye health remains poorly understood. You wouldn’t get behind the wheel of your car if it didn’t have an up-to-date MOT, so why would you put your own lives and the lives of others at risk by driving with bad eyesight?”
Jonathan Lawson, Chief Executive Officer at Vision Express CEO, added:
“Vision Express is calling on the Government to help us to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye tests for drivers. One simple step would be to ensure that when drivers are prompted to renew their photo card licence every ten years that they are also reminded about the importance of making sure their eye prescription is up-to-date.”