Road safety week: Do you have healthy eyesight for driving?

Road Safety Week highlights the importance of regular eye tests and proper eyewear while driving. Healthy eyesight is a fundamental pillar for responsible driving. Being able to see road signs, vehicles, and pedestrians is important. Good vision will help you to make quick decisions to prevent accidents and ensure safety on the roads.

What is the theme for Road Safety Week 2023?

The theme for Road Safety Week 2023 is “Let’s talk about speed”. According to a report by the UK Government, increasing the speed limit on roads has led to a considerable rise in road casualties and deaths.

This annual road safety campaign promotes safe driving and protects lives by raising awareness about how reckless speeding and poor eyesight can cause fatalities.

Is vision critical to safe driving?

Healthy vision is important for safe driving. Even a momentary distraction from the road can lead to fatal accidents. Staying vigilant of your surroundings is key to avoiding accidents. Just because you had good vision when you got your driver's license doesn't mean your eyesight hasn't changed.

Our opticians recommend regular eye tests to update your prescriptions and monitor your eye health effectively. Your vision is one of the most essential assets for safe driving. Using comfi Soothe Drops can help to manage the symptoms of eye strain during long trips, making driving safer by keeping eyes hydrated.

What is the eyesight limit for driving?

The UK's legal eyesight limit for driving is 6/12 (0.5 on the Snellen scale), as stated by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You should be able to read a number plate from 20 metres. Whether you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses or you only have vision in one eye, the eyesight limit applies to everyone.

If you're unsure about meeting the eyesight requirements, book an eye test with your optician today. Alternatively, you can ask your GP, or eye specialist for advice.

What vision will stop you from driving?

Several eye conditions can affect your ability to drive safely:

1. Cataracts: a clouding of the lens within the eye can make streetlights appear over-exposed and create glare and difficulty with night driving.
2. Age-related macular degeneration: affects the central vision, so you can’t see what’s directly in front of you. The peripheral vision is usually not affected.
3. Retinopathy: retinal damage from diabetes, impacts central and peripheral vision.
4. Glaucoma: optic nerve damage causes blind spots in central or peripheral vision.

Even minor eye issues like chronic dry eyes can affect vision. Conduct regular eye tests to ensure safe driving. Please read the latest DVLA health notifications for drivers with eyesight issues.

Can you wear sunglasses while driving?

Wearing sunglasses while driving is acceptable in bright conditions and it's important to choose the right ones. Sunglasses with filter categories 0 to 3 are ideal for driving, allowing sufficient light transmission while reducing glare. Avoid category 4 sunglasses whilst driving, which can be too dark and obstruct your vision. You can also face legal consequences for driving whilst wearing sunglasses that are too dark.

Gradient sunglasses are darker at the top and become clearer towards the lower part of the lens. Always prioritise your safety and ensure your sunglasses do not obstruct your ability to see the road.

Best sunglasses for driving

Browse our exclusive collection of trendy and legally acceptable sunglasses that you can sport while driving:

Glasses with anti-glare coating for night driving

Night driving can be challenging because of glare from headlights, streetlights and signs, affecting visibility. To better your experience, consider wearing glasses with anti-reflection coating for driving at night.

Upgrade your night driving experience by wearing glasses with an anti-glare coating: