Short-sighted view of eye tests

New research has revealed that nearly half of all company car drivers have not had an eyesight test in the last three years and, even more alarmingly, 30% had not had one in the past five years, if at all.

The shock statistics have been revealed in a study of 340 drivers from some of the country’s largest fleet operators who recently completed an online risk assessment.

Analysis by E-Training World, the company behind the study, also found that only a quarter of drivers had taken an eyesight test in the last 12 months.

This is despite the fact that eyesight tests are recommended annually, and many company car policies stipulate a yearly examination.

Graham Hurdle, managing director of E-Training World said that, for some reason, many drivers take a very relaxed approach towards their eyesight and think that just because they can see means they can see well enough to be safe on the road.

If a serious blameworthy accident occurs and it turns out that the driver was not safe because they could not see, the company directors may find themselves facing some close interrogation from the Health and Safety Executive or even from the police, he warned.