A warning has been sent out to drivers who wear glasses to help them avoid hefty fines and stay safe on the roads.
People who are short-sighted need to wear glasses when driving to get a clear view of the road. According to the DVLA, drivers "must wear glasses or contact lenses every time they drive if they need them to meet the 'standards of vision for driving'”.
Those who flout the rules could end up with a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points. According to the Express, motorists may also be at risk of invalidating their car insurance policy if they require prescription glasses and are not wearing them at the time of an incident which is later deemed their fault.
Read More: Dogs should be banned from sticking their heads out of car windows, says insurer
Tom Preston, founder of Hippo Leasing, said: "Our eyesight is precious and we should all be taking the steps necessary to protect it at all costs. It is dangerous to drive with impaired vision and you could be putting yourself and other people’s lives at risk when you can’t view the road clearly, read road signs properly or see potential hazards.
"We would recommend responsible drivers get regular thorough eye tests, wear their prescription glasses or sunglasses when behind the wheel and take frequent breaks to rest your eyes when driving for long periods of time. If you struggle with eyestrain when driving, speak to your optician about tinted lenses which can help with this and aim to make your journeys more comfortable."
Roshni Kanabar, optometrist and clinical advisor for the Association of Optometrists, added: "Visual problems from low-lying sun may be improved by using prescription sunglasses, as well as certain lens types and coatings specifically designed for driving. If you’re finding it hard to see when driving, your first port of call should be your optometrist so they can investigate what might be causing your issues and recommend solutions to make you comfortable and safe."
Read Next:
The steps drivers can take to appeal against parking tickets, according to experts
Drivers urged to carry out 7 simple checks on their cars to avoid failing MOT
Drivers warned of massive fines for carrying out fuel-saving habit behind wheel
How the affects of 'thunder fever' could see motorists face £5,000 fines
Drivers could face £1,000 fine for not declaring common medical conditions to DVLA - see list here
