Road safety charity Brake has produced a free interactive e-learning resource to highlight the importance of drivers making sure their vision is up to scratch before getting behind the wheel. 

‘Sharpen up’, developed in partnership with Specsavers, can be used by anyone who works with drivers such as fleet managers, as well as individuals directly wanting to find out more about driver eyesight.

RSI Insurance Group research has found that people with impaired vision are much more likely to be involved in a road crash, and are estimated to cause 2,900 casualties per year.

A 2014 survey by Brake and Specsavers found that one in four (25%) drivers hadn’t had a vision test in the past two years, and 4% (the equivalent to more than 1.5 million UK drivers) had never had their eyes tested. One in eight (12%) of people who need glasses or contact lenses admitted driving without them.

Brake has called on all drivers to ensure that their vision is at a safe standard for driving, helping to keep themselves and others safe, through regular (at least two-yearly) eyesight tests and always wearing glasses or lenses if they’re needed.

The charity has also called on the Government to follow public opinion and introduce compulsory eyesight tests for drivers.

The open-access ‘Sharpen up’ resource can be used to facilitate discussion and present the facts on the importance of drivers getting regular eye tests and maintaining good eye health, within a training session, lesson, workshop or online communications – especially by fleet managers, driving instructors and road safety professionals.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said:“Making sure your vision is up to scratch is crucial to safe driving.

"It’s vital for drivers to get their eyes checked professionally at least every two years – eyesight can deteriorate rapidly without you noticing.

"Our new ‘Sharpen up’ e-learning resource shows people the dangers of driving with poor eyesight, encouraging them to make that vital trip to the opticians.

"The resource is a powerful tool that shows that if you drive, it’s not just your own health and safety that you are risking if you neglect to get your eyesight checked, but also the lives of the people around you."

The guide is available at http://www.brake.org.uk/sharpen-up/15-facts-a-resources/facts/491-eyesight 

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