Driver and Night Vision

Do you know that our skills as drivers may be seriously impaired by even a slight deterioration of just one of our five senses? Driving a vehicle on today's very busy roads demands that we constantly use our sense of sight, almost to the exclusion of our other senses as we make decisions about speed, distance, direction, road conditions, road signs, even instruments. Indeed almost every factor which is to determine our actions and our safety must be seen quickly and clearly and our driving ability will be directly related to the standard of our eyesight.

The official standard of sight which drivers have to meet is the "number plate test" which was introduced as long as 1935 as part of the first driving test. This test requires only that drivers can read the letters and figures on a car number plate from a distance of 67feet or 20metres and sets no standard for depth perception, binocular eye co-ordination, peripheral vision, night vision or colour awareness, all aspects important to drivers undertaking even the most simple manoeuvre.

'It is an offence to drive with uncorrected defective vision.'(Road Traffic Act 1972).'

Driving at night can be especially demanding on eyesight. It is very important not to use any tinted optical equipment such as sun glasses or ski goggles when it is dark, or in conditions of poor visibility. Tinted glass does not improve your vision and it can be extremely dangerous to use spray-on or other tinting materials on windows or windscreens.

Even drivers with perfect vision may be affected by the dazzle from approaching headlights. If this occurs, slow down and if necessary stop. Remember to check your lights regularly to ensure that they are not causing unnecessary dazzle to other road users. Remember too, that fog lamps can have a dazzling effect which may cause following drivers considerable discomfort and, therefore, danger. Such lights should be be used only when visibility is seriously reduced to a distance of less than 100 metres. Neither front or rear fog lamps should be used simply it is dark or raining.

Good vision greatly increases your margin of safety.

NRK Medical Screeners give a reliable and accurate assessment of vision appropriate to driving above & beyond the official required standard. It is not a substitute for a full professional examination.