The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Auto Windscreens Reminds Drivers To Wear Their Glasses When Driving


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

STORFORTH LANE, UNITED KINGDOM – April 13, 2010: The UK’s motorists are being urged to remember their duty of care to other road users and their passengers after research by Auto Windscreens revealed that a fifth of drivers who need to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive confessed they had driven without them.

According to the poll of British adults by *YouGov, commissioned by Auto Windscreens - the automotive glazing services company - over half surveyed needed glasses or contact lenses to drive, with 1 in 3 of all adults not realising it is against the law not to wear their glasses or lenses whilst driving.

Driving without glasses or contact lenses, if you are required to wear them is a criminal offence which could result in a £1,000 fine, three penalty points or disqualification from driving.

Nigel Davies, Auto Windscreens Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Drivers are not legally required to have an eye test until they are 70 years old, however; it is recommended that all drivers have an eye test at least every two years, even if you think your eye sight is normal. By doing so, you can be confident you are driving safely and legally and not putting your own life, your passengers’ or other road users’ lives at risk.”

All drivers must be able to read a number plate which is 20.5 metres in the distance. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses you are allowed to wear them for the test and you must also wear them whenever you are driving.

Nigel added: “Auto Windscreens receives more than a million calls for glass replacement every year. I would be great to think that those drivers were taking the same responsibility for their eye health, and having regular eye tests, as they do for their vehicle’s glass. In the time it takes us to repair or replace a windscreen, a driver can have a full sight test.”