News
One in five drivers has
30 September 2006
The figures come from the results of a series of “eye check clinics” carried out during summer by leading motorway service area operator Moto, in partnership with Vision Express.
Moto customers were invited to undergo a simple eyesight test using vision screen equipment operated by Vision Express experts and interactive tests. One of the interactive tests measured whether the driver’s vision met the basic requirements laid down by the Department for Transport for learner drivers undertaking their practical test.
Of the 424 drivers tested at nine of Moto’s busiest sites, 75 were unable to meet the DfT’s required standard. At Leigh Delamere services on the M4, 25 of the 70 drivers tested failed and at Reading services, also on the M4, 15 out of 65 drivers failed.
Karen Sparrow, Senior Optometrist at Vision Express said: “All of those who failed the test were unaware of their problem. But the simple fact is they shouldn’t have been driving, especially at motorway speeds because at 70mph it takes less than one second to cover 20 metres. Driving with defective eyesight is not only irresponsible, it’s illegal.
“At a time when the European Commission is investigating driving standards across the European Union, these findings would seem to support research that already suggests as many as 2.5 million motorists in the UK could be putting themselves and others at risk by ignoring their eyesight.”
Tim Moss, Moto’s CEO, said: “The checks carried out by Vision Express are only a snapshot sample but nevertheless the findings are very disturbing and give a good indication of the number of people who behind the wheel with defective eyesight. It is a very worrying thought that one in every five drivers on the motorway might not be able to see properly.”
The full results of the Moto-Vision Express clinics are as follows:
| Event Dates & Location | No. Screened | No. Failed |
| Toddington (M1) | 55 | 9 |
| 22/23 April | ||
| Cherwell Valley (M40) | 19 | 4 |
| 29/30Apr | ||
| Reading (M4) | 65 | 15 |
| 15/16Jul | ||
| Exeter (M5) | 62 | 10 |
| 22/23Jul | ||
| Leigh Delamere (M4) | 70 | 25 |
| 29/30Jul | ||
| Tamworth (M42) | 43 | 6 |
| 05/06Aug | ||
| Woolley Edge (M1) | 45 | 2 |
| 12/13Aug | ||
| Lancaster (M1) | 25 | 1 |
| 19/20Aug | ||
| Donington Park (M1) | 40 | 3 |
| 02/03Sep | ||
| TOTAL | 424 | 75 |
The equipment used by Vision Express takes a simple sight check and is not a full eye examination
