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North West drivers urged to get on track with regular eye tests this summer
VISION Express is urging motorists in the North West to ensure their
sight is road worthy; as new research by the national optical retailer reveals
there will be increased pressure on the nation's roads, with 50% of all Brits
choosing to have their main holiday in the UK in 2017.
In the North West, new driver research commissioned by the national optical
retailer, reveals 29% of drivers are overdue an eye test. Worse still, 6% of
them have never had one. And, when it comes to planning a long journey, drivers
from the region are more likely to spend time stocking their vehicles with
drinks and snacks (34%) and making sure they have music for their journey (13%),
than checking their vision is road worthy by having a recent eye test (4%).
67% of drivers in the North West are, however, prioritising having enough fuel
before driving to their UK holiday destination, followed by making sure tyres
are checked.
The research also reveals 28% of local drivers are remaining in their own region
for their staycations, followed by Wales (26%) and the South West (23%). On
average, they will be driving for almost 3 hours to reach their holiday
destination with 3 people in the vehicle, including 1 child.
Jonathan Lawson, Vision Express CEO explains:- "We passionately believe it
is critical to educate drivers about sight, particularly when we anticipate so
many more people to be on the roads this summer.
Our research shows that over half of drivers in the North West don't know what
the legal eyesight requirement for driving is and almost a third of them are
overdue a vision test. That's why our latest initiative, part of our
award winning 'Eye Tests Save Lives' campaign, includes a free downloadable eye
test offer, that can be re-deemed in any of our 390 stores."
Since 2012, the DVLA has revoked or refused 42,519 car and motorcycle and 6,739
bus and lorry licenses because of poor vision. The number of UK drivers whose
vision has prevented them from driving has also increased; rising 30% between
2012 and 2016. Around 50% of sight loss is preventable and a regular eye tests
can not only safeguard your sight, but your driving licence too.
Jason Wakeford, spokesman for Brake, concludes:- "Shockingly, on average
five people are killed on UK roads each day, in largely preventable crashes. We
hope by combining our efforts with Vision Express' we can make drivers consider
their vision and general health before getting behind the wheel this summer."
A free eye test voucher can be downloaded from the Vision Express
website and is
redeemable, until 31 August 2017.
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