Opticians warns of more unsafe drivers
Posted by Jonathan Elder
Norville Opticians which has practices across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire has added its concern to that being widely expressed elsewhere about proposals to reduce the medical requirements for drivers across the UK. The national press is reporting that the country’s roads will get more dangerous “as eye tests are made easier”.
The move follows publication of a consultation document issued by the Department of Transport and DVLA outlining their plans for implementing the eyesight requirements contained in EU directives on driving licences. The proposed changes for eyesight include reducing the distance from which a number plate test can be read for the drivers of cars and motorcycles and changes to the vision assessment for drivers of buses and lorries.
Norville Opticians Managing Director Adrian Street said: “We concur with the serious concern being expressed by the Optical Confederation. We think the existing eye tests are totally inadequate and should be replaced with a more comprehensive eye examination along the lines of those already carried out in Ireland where professional drivers also have a further eye test later in their career. The current tests date from the 1930s and are unreliable for a number of reasons. We would like to see the EU regulations replace them with a more standardised test.”
As well as ensuring your current glasses or contacts are suitable, older drivers should consider upgraded headlight bulbs, as the increased light output aids night time driving visibility, giving a better view or road signs and giving greater visibility distance.
What is the motive behind making the tests easier? It’s already dangerous enough on the road due to distracted drivers and drunk drivers, let alone drivers which poor eyesight too.