Blog Post

5 Things You Should Know About Driving with Glasses

Harrold Opticians • November 14, 2018

As obvious as it sounds, it’s essential that you can always see clearly when driving on the road. A recent DVLA survey suggested that 50% of motorists were not aware of the minimum eyesight standards for driving, which is being able to read a number plate from 20m (65ft) away. It’s recommended that drivers check this regularly and book an eye test at their local opticians if they fail to read the number plate clearly.

A lot of drivers require glasses to help them drive safer. But what else do you need to know about driving with glasses? Read on to find out more…

1) It’s illegal to drive without them

According to recent research, 1 in 8 drivers who are required to wear glasses, are deciding not to when driving. This can affect not just their safety, but everyone else on the road as it can cause dangerous driving. It’s illegal and can result in you being fined, banned from the road or even prison, so don’t forget to stick them on when you get behind the wheel! If you see a 01 in box 12 on the back of your license, this means that you’re required by law.

2) It can invalidate your insurance if you don’t wear them

As it’s illegal to drive without your glasses if you are required to wear them, then this also means doing so will invalidate your car insurance. If the worst happens, and you end up in an accident, you could be left with a costly bill for vehicle repairs on your car, the other person’s car and any legal costs.

3) Driving without them can cause dangerous driving

It’s common sense that reducing your clarity of vision will increase your chances of having an accident. Recent research shows that 16% of motorists reported having an accident last year, but that number rapidly increases to 67% for those who chose not to wear their glasses. Additional studies have shown that poor vision is one of the main causes of accidents, but it’s also one of the easiest prevented reasons. If you haven’t had an eye test in the last 2 years, book in for a check-up at your local branch, so that you can be as safe as possible on the road.

4) Choose your frames carefully

When picking your frames for driving, avoid any that have thick sides as they can restrict your side vision and therefore make driving more dangerous. Choosing thinner sides will allow you to see around the frames into other lanes of traffic and improve your peripheral vision.

5) They can increase glare

When driving at night, oncoming traffic can cause glare in your vision from the headlights. This can significantly worsen when wearing glasses, especially if your lenses aren’t filtered by any anti-glare protection. To combat this issue, you can get specific lenses that focus on reducing glare and improving the contrast. EnRoute lenses offer significant reduction of reflections and uncomfortable glare from oncoming traffic allowing you to feel comfortable and confident when driving, knowing that you have been supplied the best lenses possible.

If you want to have a more comfortable drive and feel safer driving at night, then why not have a look at EnRoute lenses. We’re offering everyone EnRoute lenses for just £60 extra if you book before the 31st January, so don’t miss out, download your voucher today! http://d36.co/13Sj9

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