Essex Police is joining forces with other UK police forces in a nationwide road safety initiative aimed at raising awareness of the legal eyesight standards required for driving on public roads.

As part of the campaign, officers from Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit will be conducting roadside vision screenings to ensure drivers meet the minimum legal requirements. These include the ability to read a car number plate from 20 metres (approximately five car lengths), checking that drivers are wearing corrective eyewear if needed, and an adequate field of vision. Additional standards apply to lorry and bus drivers.

The results of these screenings will contribute to the annual ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’ survey, which helps inform future road safety policy and public awareness campaigns.

Mr Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing Unit, said:

“Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres can result in a fine and penalty points, but fewer realise that driving with uncorrected defective eyesight is also a serious offence. It can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points, and even disqualification. Poor vision significantly increases the risk of a collision.

“Ninety per cent of the information a driver uses is visual, so we want to use roadside screening to highlight the critical importance of good eyesight. Drivers who fail to meet the required standards are not only breaking the law but also endangering themselves and others.”

During the operation, drivers will be asked to read a standard vehicle registration plate from a distance of 20 metres in good daylight conditions. The test will be conducted with any corrective eyewear the driver normally uses while driving.

Under Cassie’s Law, drivers who fail the roadside number plate test may have their licence revoked immediately if deemed unsafe to continue driving.

Essex Police is urging all motorists to have their eyesight tested at least every two years, even if they believe their vision is fine. Gradual deterioration can go unnoticed, and regular checks are essential to ensure your vision remains roadworthy.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, National Police Chief Constable Lead Roads Policing comments: “Personal responsibility is the starting point for safer roads.  Making sure your eyesight meets the standards of vision for driving is really important and something only you can do to keep yourself and all other road users safe while driving.” 

Here are some top tips for road users:

Drivers

• Ensure you can see clearly out of your windscreen

• Make sure all lights are working, and mirrors are clean

• Use headlights whenever visibility is reduced especially when dark and raining

• Check the condition of wipers and washers

• Take extra care to look out for pedestrians, children and two-wheel vehicles.

Cyclists

• Bicycles should be equipped with good lights. It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back

• Take extra care to be seen – wear bright fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night

Pedestrians

• Make sure you can be seen – use well lit roads

• Cross the road at the safest place such as a zebra crossing

Motorcyclists

• Avoid dark clothing and wear high-visibility and reflective gear, especially helmets and jackets

• Ensure your motorcycle has working front and rear lights

Horse Riders

• Wear reflective clothing and accessories; tabards, leg bands, and helmet covers

• Ride in single file on roads and keep to the left

This article originally appeared on essexpolicemedia.co.uk and was republished with permission.