Warning to drivers with glasses as little-known error could see you slapped with £1,000 fine
DRIVERS who wear glasses have been given a warning in order for them to avoid falling foul of the law and possibly end up with points and a hefty fine.
Motorists must meet the eyesight standards in order to get a clear view of the road or they could be fined as much as £1,000.
According to the DVLA, drivers “must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.”
This would still apply to anyone who thinks their eyesight is fine and doesn’t need to wear glasses.
People are advised to get their eyes checked if they are unsure.
Anyone not meeting that standard may also be at risk of invalidating their car insurance if you require prescription glasses and are not wearing them at the time of an incident which is later deemed your fault.
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Tom Preston, founder of Hippo Leasing, said: “Our eyesight is precious and we should all be taking the steps necessary to protect it at all costs.
“It is dangerous to drive with impaired vision and you could be putting yourself and other people’s lives at risk when you can’t view the road clearly, read road signs properly or see potential hazards.
“We would recommend responsible drivers get regular thorough eye tests, wear their prescription glasses or sunglasses when behind the wheel and take frequent breaks to rest your eyes when driving for long periods of time.
“If you struggle with eyestrain when driving, speak to your optician about tinted lenses which can help with this and aim to make your journeys more comfortable.”
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Roshni Kanabar, optometrist and clinical advisor for the Association of Optometrists, added: “Visual problems from low-lying sun may be improved by using prescription sunglasses, as well as certain lens types and coatings specifically designed for driving.
“If you’re finding it hard to see when driving, your first port of call should be your optometrist so they can investigate what might be causing your issues and recommend solutions to make you comfortable and safe.”
Drivers are advised to keep a pair of prescription glasses in your car so that you’ll never forget them, and opt for no-glare polarised sunglasses that are ideal for driving as they’ll prevent glare from objects or the road.
Anyone who suffers from dry eyes is advised to have some moisturising eye drops with you when out on the road.
Although anyone using them should always wait until your vision has stopped being blurry before getting behind the wheel.
Mr Kanabar said: “We generally tend to blink a lot less whilst concentrating which can lead to the natural coating of the tears over your eyes, to start to evaporate, making them dry and uncomfortable.
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“It’s important that drivers consider what makes them most comfortable, especially when driving long distances.
“For example, try and remember to blink, and it’s important to take regular breaks on your journey.”