Those aged 25-34 are more than twice as likely as other motorists to regularly drive without their glasses or contact lenses.
Motorpoint estimate that more than two million car owners regularly drive without their glasses or contact lenses. Despite the risks, less than two-fifths (38%) knew they could face fines of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence if their vision falls below the legal standard.
The leading nearly new and used car retailer surveyed 2,000 UK drivers about their eyesight and found that motorists in their 20s and 30s were the most likely to regularly drive without the corrective eye wear they need.
Despite the Government’s proposed eyesight-testing reforms focusing on motorists over 70, the research found that older drivers were the least likely to knowingly set off with vision that fell below the legal standard.
Discussing the findings, Motorpoint’s resident motoring expert, Tim Rodie, says, “The current proposals for change by the Department for Transport target the over-70s, but our data suggests younger drivers are taking the biggest risks when it comes to driving without the eye wear they need.
“More needs to be done to make motorists aware of the dangers of driving with poor eyesight. By making guidance more accessible, it could encourage drivers to address their eyesight before they become a risk on the road.
“You should never knowingly drive with eyesight below the legal minimum – particularly if you’re choosing not to wear your glasses or contacts. You’re not only at risk of fines and penalty points but also put yourself and other road users at risk. For those who need glasses or contact lenses, it’s worth keeping a spare pair in the car so you’re never without them.”
