2.7m drive with poor eyesight

03/11/11

By David Clement

The frequent road rage accusation that offending motorists "need to get their eyes tested" may be closer to the truth than previously realised, research suggests.

No fewer than 2.7 million drivers on UK roads suffer from dangerously bad eyesight, according to the findings of a new survey by insurer esure.

Only 43 per cent of respondents were confident they would pass the eyesight section of the driving test if they were forced to take it again.

Half of those questioned admitted their eyesight had deteriorated since the time they first got their driving licence.

Some 42 per cent squint in order to read road signs, while 28 per cent even ask their passenger to read the signs out for them.