Over a third of London drivers fail vision screening

A shocking one in three London drivers have failed a vision screening meaning they are endangering their own lives as well as those of other drivers and pedestrians.

The startling statistics came to light during a random check of drivers’ eyesight by Specsavers at a recent Drive Safe roadshow at Olympia.

Of the 500 people checked, more than one third are falling way short of the legal minimum legal requirements set by the Department of Transport and Police Force.

Despite their failing sight, an astonishing 92% of those drivers surveyed thought that regular eye examinations should be compulsory at least every three years.

Furthermore, 89% said they would consider regular sight checks if it positively influenced the cost of their car insurance.

Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins says: ‘It has long been suspected that defective eye sight is a significant contributory factor in road traffic accidents. The objective of our Drive Safe roadshow is to prove that many drivers are unaware that their poor vision could be adversely affecting their driving.

‘These results show that a significant number of London’s drivers are worryingly unsafe. Being perceptive and alert as a driver, especially in a congested city such as London is crucial, so it is vital that they have their eyes examined regularly to ensure they are not putting themselves, or anyone else, at risk.’

Visitors to the Specsavers trailer at the Vitality Show were offered free vision and hearing screening, and trained Specsavers optometrists and hearing specialists were on hand to advise those who failed.

Throughout the year the Specsavers Drive Safe trailer will be visiting motoring events including the Classic Motor Show and county shows nationwide including the Royal Cornwall Show and the Royal Highland Show in Scotland.

To find your nearest Specsavers freephone 0800 0680 241 or log onto specsavers.co.uk.

To book a free hearing test at your nearest Specsavers store, visit specsavershearcare.com.