Lincolnshire Police have launched roadside eyesight checks as part of the national Operation Dark Night campaign, stressing the importance of good vision for drivers. The recent initiative seeks to shed light on the dangers of driving with impaired vision. In one recent check, a driver was found to be able to read a number plate only from a 6-metre distance, significantly below the legal minimum of 20 metres, leading to the immediate revocation of their licence.
Inspector Jason Baxter underscored the widespread nature of this issue, estimating that potentially 5-10% of drivers and motorcyclists may not meet the necessary standards. He brought up a recent instance where a driver’s licence was removed at the roadside due to lacklustre eyesight. While these checks are voluntary, enforcement can occur if an infraction takes place. According to ‘Cassie’s Law’, officers have the authority to instantly contact the DVLA to revoke a driver’s licence upon failing a roadside test. This law was established in 2013, following the tragic accident involving 16-year-old Cassie McCord.
Simon Outen-Coe, representative of the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, explained the checks are not solely for older drivers, but are applicable to all. He encouraged all drivers to frequently assess their eyesight, equating it to keeping a vehicle in good running order with a valid MOT. He further cautioned about the legal penalties for not wearing prescribed eyewear while driving.
Local motorist, Brian Lee, who successfully passed the test, initially expressed worry when pulled over but acknowledged the significance of these checks. Police recommend all drivers to have their vision examined every two years to confirm it aligns with legal requirements, as deterioration can happen progressively without recognition.
This story was modified by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
