Wiltshire Police are reminding drivers to make sure their vision is up to standard as part of their ongoing campaign, “Is Your Eyesight Roadworthy?”, aimed at reducing collisions caused by poor eyesight.
Over the past two weeks, officers from the Roads Policing Unit have been carrying out roadside eyesight checks to identify drivers who may fall below the legal vision requirement.
Drivers who cannot read a number plate from 20 metres in daylight are referred to the DVLA for further assessment. Officers may also request an eyesight test if they suspect defective vision following incidents such as careless or dangerous driving, collisions, or failure to obey traffic signs.
It is estimated that up to 10% of UK drivers – more than three million people – do not meet the required eyesight standards.
Sergeant James Barrett of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Good vision is essential for driving because it allows us to see, react and avoid emerging hazards. 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. Some adjust their driving habits, for example 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.”
Wiltshire Police are encouraging everyone to ask themselves before driving: Is your vision roadworthy?
The importance of eyesight and road safety was also a key theme during the recent Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badge event at Devizes Police Headquarters on 12 October. Scouts from across the county joined officers to learn about policing and road safety, designing creative posters inspired by the national campaign and local Operation Dark Night – an annual initiative highlighting visibility and regular eye checks.
Neighbourhood Policing Teams have reinforced the message at community events, promoting “Stay Bright at Night” and encouraging drivers to consider the impact of reduced vision on road safety. Three of the Scouts’ poster designs have been professionally edited and will be featured across Wiltshire Police’s social media channels.
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