Vision Screening for Motorists
Are your eyes fit to drive?
Defective eyesight is a major contribution to many problems on the road. It has been estimated that nationally as many as 2 million drivers do not realise that their eyesight does not enable them to read a vehicle number plate at the required distance of 20. 5 metres (67ft) which is about 5 car lengths.
Each year companies lose millions of pounds through road accidents. Working days are lost, vehicles are damaged and insurance premiums increase.
The Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity Team have an ongoing programme of vision screening for motorists, and is currently offering local companies basic vision screening for their employees free of charge, as part of their commitment to road accident reduction.
The Eyeway Code
See and be seen
Awareness of others
Foresee hazards
Eyes tested regularly
Visually Impaired Road Users
Some of the most vulnerable road users are visually impaired pedestrians. People with white canes are not necessarily totally blind; many have some partial vision, and those with red markings on their cane are also hearing impaired.
There are many ways you can help visually impaired road users
-
Ask a visually impaired person if they want help. Never grab someone and take charge, let them take your arm if they wish.
-
Give precise instructions to help visually impaired people find their way, it's no use saying it's over there and point.
-
A guide dog in harness is a working animal and should never be distracted. It gets all the food it needs, do not offer titbits.
-
If you are guiding a visually impaired person, do explain changes in ground surfaces, e.g. Pavement or grass. Warn of steps up and down and also slopes, which can feel very steep.
-
Always cross roads using the shortest distance; i.e. go straight across rather than crossing at an angle.
-
Use a pedestrian crossing if there is one, but if not allow plenty of time for your partner to cross at a normal place.
-
Do not take risks
-
Tell the visually impaired person you are leaving, otherwise they could find themselves talking to an empty space. Tell them where they are and which way they are facing.
In Your Car
If you see someone with a white stick waiting to cross the road: -
-
At a pedestrian crossing allow plenty of time for them to cross. Do not rev the engine or sound the horn, as this may be unnerving and distracting.
-
If there is no crossing do not stop your car and wave or sound your horn for a visually person to cross. This is because other road users may not stop and your engine noise may be confusing especially if they are hearing-impaired.
Many visually impaired road users will appreciate your care and thoughtfulness.
For more information, please contact: -
Sight Concern, 116, Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QN.
Telephone (01234) 311555.