A significant number of UK drivers may be putting themselves and others at risk by failing to wear their prescribed glasses or contact lenses while behind the wheel. According to the College of Optometrists, 60% of drivers require prescription eyewear for driving, yet nearly a quarter (24%) admit to not always wearing them. Given that 95% of a driver’s sensory input is visual, the consequences of impaired vision on the road can be severe.
The Role of Eyewear in Safe Driving
Wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses enhances driving safety by ensuring optimal vision and reducing strain. Proper eyewear helps mitigate glare from bright sunlight, streetlights, and the headlights of oncoming vehicles. It also plays a crucial role in reducing fatigue, a key factor in maintaining alertness on long journeys.
Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, underscores the importance of clear vision while driving:
“It is essential that drivers can read road signs and judge their surroundings, particularly in the event of an emergency or breakdown. Even if you wear glasses or lenses all the time, we strongly advise keeping a spare pair in your car in case of loss or damage.”
Visibility Challenges at Night and in Poor Weather
Driving in low-light conditions or adverse weather presents additional risks, particularly for those who neglect to wear their prescription eyewear. Research from the College of Optometrists reveals that 42% of drivers struggle with night-time driving or poor weather conditions. Limited visibility in such scenarios can lead to delayed reactions, misjudgments of distance, and increased accident risks.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College of Optometrists, advises:
“If you don’t need your glasses all the time but have been advised to wear them while driving, it’s a good idea to keep a pair in your glove compartment. That way, you’ll always have them when needed.”
A Legal and Practical Necessity
In many European countries, including France and Spain, it is a legal requirement to carry a spare pair of prescription glasses when driving. UK motorists planning to drive abroad should be mindful of these regulations to avoid potential penalties. Even domestically, ensuring clear vision is a fundamental part of road safety.
Beyond wearing corrective eyewear, drivers should also maintain the cleanliness of their glasses and windscreen to reduce glare and enhance clarity. Puffett adds:
“A spare pair of glasses in your car can be a life-saver. Keeping them clean, along with your vehicle’s windscreen, ensures you have the best possible vision while driving.”
Start Rescue: Prioritising Driver Safety
Start Rescue, a leading UK breakdown provider, is committed to enhancing road safety. The company has earned a stellar reputation, with a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, a five-star Defaqto rating, and six consecutive years as a Which? Recommended Provider.
In the recent What Car? Survey of Best Breakdown Cover, Start Rescue achieved top marks for response times, reaching 77% of call-outs within 30 minutes to an hour, with no customer waiting over two hours. Additionally, the provider was recognised for delivering effective temporary repairs that allowed drivers to continue their journeys.
Since its launch in 2009, Start Rescue has become an essential part of Call Assist, the UK’s fourth-largest breakdown and recovery service, now serving over two million customers nationwide.
For further breakdown advice and assistance, visit startrescue.co.uk.
