Warwickshire drivers urged to check eyesight as darker evenings draw in
Warwickshire Police are highlighting the risks of poor vision behind the wheel
Drivers in Warwickshire are being urged to check their eyesight as darker evenings bring more journeys after sunset.
Warwickshire Police is supporting Operation Insight, a national road safety campaign running from 26th October to 8th November.
Motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, wearing prescribed glasses or contact lenses if needed.
They must also meet minimum visual acuity and field-of-vision standards, assessed by an optician. Police recommend sight tests at least every two years, or sooner if vision changes.
Inspector Dave Valente, manager of the force’s Road Safety Unit, said: “Other things that can be considered are anti-glare coatings on your glasses, make sure you're not wearing tinted glasses or lenses when driving at night.
"It's really important that people consider keeping their windscreens clean, both inside and out, and that the wipers work effectively.”
Drivers who fail to meet legal eyesight standards could face a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.
Inspector Valente said: “I think it's really important to remember that the reason we have the eyesight test, it's not just about financial consequences, it's the risks of being involved in a collision and causing harm to pedestrians or other motorists, which in some cases in the past have proved fatal and it's living with those consequences.”
Officers are being encouraged to carry out roadside eyesight tests where appropriate following crashes or traffic offences.