When you are involved in an accident, there are many factors to consider. Insurance companies will also be looking for factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as worn brakes or bald tires. They won’t just be checking your car, they will also be checking your eyesight.
A lot of people try to explain away an accident by saying that “the other car just appeared, but I didn’t see them.” But what if it was your poor eyesight and not the fault of the other driver?
It is our responsibility to take care of our eyes. We should visit the optician every so often to ensure that we have the correct glasses. You must wear contact lenses or glasses if you have to. If your vision is failing, it’s important to visit the optician.
A few days ago, I was involved in an incident that made me think hard about this topic. I was driving through Leeds’ one-way system when the driver in front stopped and slowed down. The driver in front of me was trying to figure out which direction to go by reading the signs and had a lot trouble. He rolled past the lights at 10 mph, unaware that cars were joining him from the right, while he concentrated on reading the signs. He was fortunate not to have caused an accident.
The law states that drivers must have a minimum standard in their eyesight to be able to legally drive. They must meet the minimum standards or lose their license.
Drivers are allowed to drive if they pass the standard eyesight test. For example, if you can read a numberplate that is 50mm wide by 79mm tall (a standard numberplate with numbers and letters) from 20 meters away, you will be allowed to drive. This standard can be met with glasses or contact lenses.
Although the law doesn’t require you to have regular eye exams, it is your responsibility to monitor the situation. You must inform the DVLA if you have a medical condition that severely affects your vision. It is a crime to withhold this information.
Some states in America have laws that require drivers of cars to undergo a sight check every five years. However, this is not currently being considered for the UK. There are rules for elderly drivers. Drivers over 70 years old must fill out a medical form stating that they are qualified to drive. Eyesight is also included in the definition of fit. Drivers over 70 years old who fail to submit the form will lose their license.
Insurance companies will not pay any claims if you have poor eyesight that could have contributed to the accident. You might have worn glasses before but forgot to put them on. This is a costly and potentially dangerous mistake.
You are putting yourself and others at risk if your eyesight is poor. Book an appointment with the optician.