Industry News from Yes Insurance

Around 13 million motorists on the UK's roads are driving with substandard vision, according to research.

Figures released by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) show that an alarming number of people are running the risk of being involved in an accident and having to make a car insurance claim every day.

In response to the findings, Dr Chris Potter, spokesperson for the National Public Service for Wales, has launched a new eye test survey for drivers.

Dr Potter's survey discovered a "frightening" number of people are driving with substandard vision.

"In terms of the legal requirement you should be able to see one of the new number plates at 20.5 metres in reasonable light conditions," he told BBC Radio Five Live's Midday News.

"Most people more than complied with that, but one in 60 of those we stopped yesterday completely at random were unable to read the registration plate at half that distance."

Dr Potter has expressed particular concern over the fact that drivers are not forced to take a compulsory eye test until they reach the age of 70.

"At the moment it's the driver's own responsibility and the emphasis that we would like to give is that drivers should take that responsibility seriously," he said.

"Because it's [deteriorating sight] crept up on them they're not realising that they're a danger to themselves and to other road users."

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