Many UK motorists may be unaware of a change that comes into effect from around the age of 65.
Road safety is vital for all road users. Most drivers understand the importance of maintaining a clear view of the road and other road users when driving. In good daylight conditions, drivers must be able to read a vehicle registration plate from 20 metres away (or 20.5 metres for older-style number plates). For those who want to conduct their own registration plate test whilst strolling down a street or through a car park, 20 metres is approximately five car lengths.
Drivers must also have sufficient peripheral vision and visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale (with corrective lenses if necessary), using both eyes together or, if applicable, one eye only for those with sight in a single eye.
If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving, these must be worn at all times whilst behind the wheel (according to Rule 92 of the Highway Code). Failing to do so is an offence and could potentially invalidate your motor insurance policy.
According to Olderdrivers.org.uk, it's wise to keep a spare pair of glasses in your car's glove compartment. The most reliable way of ensuring you meet the minimum eyesight standards for driving is by having regular eye examinations at an optician's every two years, or more frequently if professionally advised.
Free eye examinations are available to individuals aged 60 and above, people diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, or those identified by an ophthalmologist as being at risk of glaucoma. If you're 40 or older, and have a close family member, such as a parent, sibling or child, who has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you're eligible for free NHS eye tests.
Complimentary sight tests are also available to those receiving certain benefits. Vision can decline gradually and steadily, making it hard to recognise when it has fallen below necessary standards.
For example, ageing reduces our eyes' ability to adapt quickly to changes in lighting, and we begin having difficulty distinguishing colours and contrasts in low-light situations.
Between the ages of 15 and 65, the recovery period after exposure to glare increases from 2 to 9 seconds - a significant change. This could explain why some individuals find driving at night more difficult.