Is Your Vision Roadworthy? – Wiltshire Police supports national road safety campaign

Hello Resident,

Wiltshire Police is supporting a national two-week road safety campaign asking all drivers a simple but important question: “Is your vision roadworthy?” 

From today (Monday 27 October), officers will be carrying out roadside eyesight tests as part of efforts to reduce collisions resulting in people being killed or seriously injured (KSI) due to poor vision. 

If a driver is unable to read a number plate from 20 metres in daylight conditions, they will be referred to the DVLA for further assessment and any appropriate action. 

These tests may take place if officers suspect a driver has defective vision, for example following: 

Drivers may also be offered the chance to voluntarily take part in a roadside eyesight test. 

It’s estimated that up to 10% of drivers currently on the road do not meet the required eyesight standards - that’s over 3 million drivers nationwide. 

Sergeant James Barrett, from the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Unit said: 

“Good vision is essential for driving because it allows us to see, react and avoid emerging hazards. In fact, almost all the information our brain uses to make good driving decisions comes from visual detection. 

"Often, it’s the gradual deterioration of eyesight that affects drivers the most and many don’t realise their vision has fallen below the legal limit, or they adjust their driving habits by avoiding driving at night. 

“As we get older, our sight naturally declines and many of us need glasses. It becomes a real concern when this goes uncorrected. 

“By highlighting the importance of good vision and the role it plays in keeping everyone safe, we hope to encourage more people to get their eyesight checked regularly.” 

So, before you get behind the wheel - ask yourself: Is your vision roadworthy? 

For more information on driving eyesight rules, follow the link here: www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules.