Drivers in Plymouth fear they’d fail their driving test if they took it today – and their poor eyesight could be to blame

TWELVE percent of drivers in Plymouth believe they’d fail their driving test if they had to retake it today – with poor eyesight, bad habits and nerves potentially to blame.

To mark Road Safety Week, a Specsavers poll found that nearly 39% of drivers in the region fear they’d be marked down for their inability to parallel park, while 11% admit they’re now confused by new road signs and driving laws.

It’s not just driving skills holding them back – a lack of awareness around vision requirements also contributes. Only 14% of drivers in the region describe their understanding of the UK’s eyesight rules for motorists as ‘excellent’ and 12% of those without perfect vision believe their years of driving experience compensate for not being able to see clearly.

Dr Josie Forte, a director at Specsavers Plymouth, says: ‘There are some places you should never be if you’re worried about your eyesight, and behind the wheel is one of them, especially at this time of year when we’re often driving in wet and dark conditions, because we have to be so careful. And not only when it comes to other vehicles – pedestrians, cyclists and even pets can dart in front of our cars in the blink of an eye.’

The study found that potholes or changes to the road surface are the most common things motorists in the region have struggled to see while driving (26%). Meanwhile, 18% have failed to spot cyclists in blind spots or low light, and 13% have had difficulty making out lane markings, while 15% admitted they struggle to see anything at all when it’s raining.

As a result, 50% of drivers in the region believe eyesight checks should be a mandatory part of renewing a UK driving licence. A further 32% don’t think poor vision is treated seriously enough as a road safety issue, and 13% have worried about someone else’s eyesight while being driven by them.

When struggling to see properly behind the wheel, 45% of drivers in the South West have simply slowed down and hoped for the best, while 27% have avoided driving at night altogether.

Of the 57% of motorists in the region who are supposed to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving, 23% admitted to going without them. The most common reasons were forgetting them (40%), only travelling a short distance (40%), or finding them uncomfortable (15%).

Dr Forte adds: ‘If you do need prescription glasses or contacts to drive, you should always wear them regardless of the journey. It’s been reported that most traffic accidents happen close to the person’s home, as that’s naturally where they do the most driving. So even if you’re only going half a mile up the road, you should do all you can to keep yourself and others safe.’

For expert guidance on driving safety and vision care solutions, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/driving-glasses.