Vision checks, carried out by police forces as part of a new campaign, suggest more than 900,000 British motorists would fail to meet even the most basic eyesight standard for driving.
As part of the ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’ campaign, 898 roadside tests were carried out between 27 February and 12 March.
Those selected were asked to read a car number plate from 20 metres.
A total of 2.2% were failed – the equivalent of approximately 900,000 motorists.
Three quarters of those who failed the number plate test were men, while advancing years ‘also increased a driver’s risk of falling’.
The average age of failures was 69.3 years. The youngest driver to fail was 30 and the oldest 90 years of age.
Of those who failed, 85% had their licence revoked on the spot.
Chief constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chief Council’s lead for roads policing, said: “Personal responsibility is the starting point for safer roads.
“Making sure your eyesight meets the standards of vision for driving is really important and something only you can do to keep yourself and all other road users safe while driving.”
The ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’ campaign is backed by motoring organisations, optical associations, eye care charities and police forces throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
It highlights that all drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure their vision meets the eyesight standards for driving every time they get behind the wheel.
Uncorrected defective eyesight is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.
Around 3,000 people are killed or injured by a driver with failing eyesight every year in the UK.
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