Road Safety Week is an opportunity to highlight a critical yet often overlooked factor in driver safety: eyesight. Even small changes in vision can compromise driving ability and increase the risk of accidents. You might notice road signs blurrier than before, headlights glaring more, or faster eye fatigue on longer journeys.
Whether you drive for work or your commute, maintaining clear vision is essential for your own safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Insurance data suggests more than 1 million people may be driving with eyesight below the legal requirement. This Road Safety Week, make sure your eyesight is road-ready.
The Legal and Practical Vision Standards for Safety
In the UK, drivers must read a vehicle registration plate from 20 metres, with corrective lenses if required. Meeting this standard is the minimum legal requirement, but safe driving requires more.
Studies show that 90% of the information used while driving is visual. Drivers need depth perception, contrast sensitivity, peripheral awareness, and quick reactions to respond to hazards.
Why Drivers and Employers Cannot Take Vision for Granted
Even with corrective lenses, 7.1% of UK drivers fall below the legal visual acuity threshold, rising to 22.8% for drivers aged 85–89. Most of these cases are treatable, meaning regular eye exams can restore vision and protect driver safety. However, many drivers skip regular checks. A survey found 24% of drivers had not had an eye test in over two years. Around 2.8 million adults have never had an eye test, and 10% of drivers needing corrective lenses admit to driving without them.
Employer Duties and Oversights
When driving is part of the job, employers share responsibility for both employee and public safety. The Health and Safety Executive treats driving as a workplace risk, meaning employers must take proactive steps to ensure staff are fit to drive. Many companies do not provide vision checks or guidance for drivers, leaving employees at risk.
EyeMed UK provides practical solutions to support employers. Our employer-facing hub helps organisations manage employees’ vision care, ensuring staff who drive regularly have access to eye tests and the right visual support. A unique feature is a full fitness-to-drive declaration, giving drivers reassurance that their vision meets legal and safety standards. This is especially useful for older drivers or those unsure if their eyesight has changed.
In addition, EyeMed UK provides access to driving glasses, designed specifically for behind-the-wheel use. These reduce glare, improve clarity, and make driving more comfortable in various lighting conditions. A range of stylish frames ensures drivers can find glasses that suit them while prioritising road safety. Integrating these services into workplace health programmes protects staff, reduces accident risk, and demonstrates a clear commitment to employee wellbeing.
What Makes Vision Road-Ready?
A complete vision check for drivers should include:
- Visual acuity
- Contrast sensitivity
- Depth perception
- Peripheral vision
- Night vision and glare tolerance
- Eye health screening for cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration
Maintaining these aspects of vision is essential to ensure maximum safety on the road. Self-assessment alone is not reliable.
What You Can Do This Road Safety Week
- Schedule regular eye tests at least every two years.
- Always wear corrective lenses if needed.
- Watch for blurred vision, glare, or fatigue while driving.
- Encourage your employer to provide vision checks and support for drivers.
- Raise awareness among friends and family about the importance of eye health for driving safety.
Safety Starts with Your Eyes
This Road Safety Week, take action to ensure your vision is road-ready. Driving safely is not just about speed. Clear vision underpins every safe journey. Thousands of collisions each year highlight the consequences of inadequate eyesight.
Regular eye care, proactive vision checks, and employer support all contribute to better safety on the roads for everyone.
If you manage people with driving duties, it’s your responsibility to ensure they’re safe on the road. Get in touch with us today to see how we can support you with eye tests, fitness-to-drive declarations and stylish driving glasses.