Millions of motorists risk driving with bad eyesight

New research reveals that motorists who need glasses or contact lenses but don’t wear them whilst driving, increase their chance of an accident four-fold. One in six (16 per cent) drivers has had an accident in the past two years but this increases to 67 per cent for those who need glasses or contacts but don’t always wear them.

The study from Direct Line Car Insurance further reveals that 13.3 million motorists are risking their lives and the lives of other road users by driving with poor eyesight as a result of not wearing their glasses or contact lenses with a fifth (21 per cent) of respondents saying they always drive without them.

Key findings of the research:

  • Motorists who need glasses or contact lenses but drive without them increase their risk of an accident four-fold
  • A fifth (21 per cent) of motorists who need glasses or contact lenses always drive without them
  • 37 per cent haven’t had an eye test in the past two years or more
  • ‘Popping to the shops’ is the most common occurrence of driving without glasses or contact lenses
  • UK drivers risk invalidating their insurance, a £1,000 fine or could face prison if they cause an accident due to defective vision

The full story can be found on Direct Line’s website.