OFFICERS from West Mercia Police will be testing drivers’ eyesight at the roadside as part of the force’s latest campaign, writes Eloise Hodges.
The two-week drive comes as national data from the RAC shows an estimated 2,900 casualties are injured due to crashes each year in the UK because of poor driver vision.
West Mercia police wants to tackle this issue by reminding motorists of their responsibility to ensure their eyesight meets the required standards.
The operation is being conducted in conjunction with and supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
The current eyesight standards for motorists say drivers must be able to read a car number plate from 20metres away, to ensure all road signs can be read and pedestrians and cyclists can be clearly seen.
It is crucial for those driving to have their eyes tested at least every two years, as eyesight deterioration can be slow and motorists found driving without the standard of vision are at risk of causing a collision and are also at risk of losing their licence.
Supt Steph Brighton said: “Ensuring the safety of everyone that used our road is a key priority for West Mercia.
“Part of this is making sure all motorists meet the eyesight standards that are required by law.
“Eyesight often deteriorates gradually so it’s difficult to notice any changes, we’re therefore encouraging those motorists that haven’t had an eye test for a while to get one done.
“Officers will be out and about over this week conducting roadside tests in order to support this national operation.”
Regular eye sight checks are also an important way of detecting medical conditions which could also affect driving – in some cases, if detected early, they could be treated.
The national operation is also highlighting all drivers aged over 70 have to declare when renewing their licence that their eyesight meets minimum legal standards so it is important to get their vision checked.
