More than 81% of drivers admit to taking risks

Specsavers is encouraging the one-quarter of UK drivers who have had not a sight test in the last two years to do so during Road Safety Week this week (21–27 November).

The annual awareness week, which is organised by road safety charity Brake and sponsored by Specsavers, is asking members of the public to ‘Make the pledge’ to “drive less and do everything they can to protect themselves and the people around them.”

The call follows statistics released by the charity that reveal that 81% of those surveyed admitted to taking risks such as driving with poor vision and speeding, as well as when under the influence of medication, drugs or alcohol.

Director of communications and campaigns at Brake, Gary Rae, said: “Our survey shows that drivers are aware of the threat of risky behaviour by other drivers, but are inclined to play down the risks involved with their own behaviour. Everyone who drives has to step up and take responsibility. If every driver vowed to make the Brake Pledge, our roads would be safer places.”

Specsavers highlights that a total of 2900 casualties are reported each year due to drivers’ poor vision, equating to 55 casualties every week.

On learning the statistic, store director of Specsavers in Warrington, Clare Kearns, told OT: “I was shocked that poor driver vision alone leads to 55 casualties every single week. We encourage every road user to make a Brake pledge to make out roads safer. These pledges can be as simple as booking an eye examination, carrying a spare pair of specs in the car or not driving when tired.”