Insurance giant RSA is backing calls for lower insurance premiums for companies which have adopted a systematic approach to testing their drivers' eyesight.
Jon Sellors, group head of thought leadership for RSA, said: "We want safe drivers on the roads, and we believe that good eyesight is imperative for good driving. Fleet operators adopting a systematic approach to driver eye tests will be able to obtain lower insurance premiums, especially when they do this as part of a pro-active approach to fleet risk management."
Research conducted by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare reveals that 71% of employers believe company insurance premiums should go down if they can prove their employees have recently passed a full eye examination and sight test.
Employers would also be more likely to choose an insurance company if eyesight tests were offered as part of the driving insurance policy. Almost three-quarters said that free full eye examinations and sight tests would be a deciding factor in selecting an insurance company, as long as the price was still competitive.
This follows recent research that shows that one in three drivers would fail an eyesight test. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that an employer’s duty of care extends to all work activities, including driving for work purposes.
Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances for Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, said: "If insurance companies can encourage employers to test the eyesight of their staff that drive then this must be a good thing."
TONY CONLON, BA, FCII, CHARTERED INSURANCE PRACTITIONER - 04/04/2013 14:25
WHAT A YPICAL PIECE ODF SALESMANSHIP BY SPECSAVERS I HAVE BEEN IN THE INSURANCE PROFESSION FOR 41 YEARS AND NOTHING CEASES TO AMAZE ME. IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT THAT ANYONE DRIVING A VEHICLE ON THE ROAD HAS THE ACCEPTED STANDARD OF EYESIGHT AN EMPLOYER HAS A DUTY OF CARE UNDER THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND SO DOES ANY EMPLOYEE. NOFLEET INSURER IS GOING TO AGREE TPO THIS ILL THOUGHT OUT 'BUNKUM'