If you have an accident and it is proved that the accident was due to your failure to keep your car roadworthy, your insurer may well refuse to pay up. Quite reasonable I can hear many saying. But what if it’s you that’s not roadworthy?

How many accidents occasion the comment “I didn’t see the other vehicle”? And what happens if you eyesight has deteriorated to a dangerous extent?

Well all of us know if we have a problem with eyesight and opticians are on every high street. If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving then you must wear them and if your eyesight deteriorates you must get a new prescription. If you drive, it’s your responsibility to make sure that you are safe to drive.

Only last week I saw an elderly motorist who was clearly unable to read the road signs. She was leaning forward trying to read the signs indicating towards Coventry and rolling forward at 15 mph – all this at traffic lights that by then had turned red – and she hadn’t seen those either! She was lucky that the cars coming across from the right saw her early.

The law states that a driver who cannot meet the minimum level of eyesight must not drive. They must also surrender their driving licence.

The eyesight test for drivers states that you must be able to read a number plate containing figures and letters 79mm high and 50 mm wide (the legal number plate) from 20 meters. But you are allowed to use your driving glasses.

Having said that there is no legal requirement for you to have regular eyesight tests although you are obliged to inform the DVLA if you develop any medical problem that affects your fitness to drive. If you don’t notify the DVLA it’s a criminal offence.

Older drivers of 70 and over must complete a medical form every three years confirming their fitness to drive and this includes eyesight. If they don’t, they lose their driving licence. (I wonder what that lady at the traffic lights said on hers?)

On the insurance front, if you are involved in an accident where your poor eyesight was a contributory factor, your insurer can argue that you were at fault and refuse to pay out. This could even be because you needed your driving glasses but weren’t wearing them.

Drive carefully, and keep your eyes peeled – little lady in Coventry please note!

More Car Insurance FAQ’s
More Car Insurance Articles

Niche Car Insurance

Woman Drivers
High Performance Drivers
Classic Car Drivers
Young Drivers
Mature Drivers
Max no claims bonus Drivers

Technocrati Tags[car] [insurance]