WORRYING figures have revealed almost all drivers who had their eyes tested at Malvern Truckfest were potentially putting themselves and other motorists at risk.
National opticians Vision Express found an alarming 90 per cent of drivers they checked at the Three Counties Showground were driving with outdated prescriptions or without the glasses they required.
A further 13 per cent admitted to never having had an eye test before, despite driving being part of their profession, according to the company’s figures.
One in ten also confessed they had not had an eye test since gaining their driving licence.
Chief executive Jonathan Lawson said: “It is a huge concern 90 per cent of visitors to our Vision Van were found to be driving without the correct prescription.
“With 13 per cent of those tested confessing to have never had a sight test, there is a clear need to educate drivers about the importance of regular eye examinations.”
Campaign
The opticians targeted professional drivers at Europe’s largest trucking event as part of its Eye Tests Save Lives campaign which highlights the importance of having regular eye tests to keep Britain’s roads safe.
The scheme was part of the retailer’s Macular Week to raise awareness of macular degeneration – the most common form of sight loss in the UK.
Darren Tate, a 48-year-old driver who confessed he had never had his vision checked, said: “Before Truckfest, I had not heard of macular degeneration and I had no idea an eye test could detect something as serious as that.”
Paul Gratton, a 41-year-old who travelled to Truckfest from Stoke, added: “I had not had an eye test in three years and I know you’re supposed to have them every two.”
Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, was staggered to learn so many drivers were neglecting their eye health.
“For most people driving plays a vital part in their daily life and while good eyesight is vital for any road user, an HGV driver’s livelihood depends on it,” he said.
“As soon as a driver gets in the cab they are at work but there are far too many who ignore any weakness in their vision.”
What do you think of the figures? E-mail [email protected] or write to the address on page ten with your views.
