Shock figures reveal 43 deaths on South Yorkshire roads so far this year
“Poor eyesight puts lives at risk”
New shock figures reveal that 43 people have died on South Yorkshire’s road so far this year.
South Yorkshire Police released the data in support of a national campaign to ensure poor eyesight isn’t a contributing factor in road collisions.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “Legally drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, which is roughly five car lengths.
“If you can’t, you shouldn't be driving. Poor eyesight puts lives at risk.”
To ensure drivers are fit to operate their vehicle, police will be taking proactive steps and focusing on driver’s eyesight for the next two weeks, with roadside eye tests expected to be carried out.
Insp Collings added: “This is daily business for us during our patrols, but putting a focus on our efforts allows us to highlight the risk the darkness brings for all road users.
“Alongside driver checks, we will also be raising awareness among pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders about the importance of reflective clothing and crossing in safer places.”
Police remind drivers of the consequences of failing to meet eyesight standards, which include:
- Fines of up to £1,000 – for driving with uncorrected or defective vision
- Three penalty points – for not meeting legal vision requirements
- Immediate licence revocation – under Cassie’s Law, police can revoke a licence on the spot if a driver fails a roadside vision test
- Disqualification from driving – in serious cases, especially if poor vision causes or contributes to an accident
- DVLA notification requirement – drivers must report any eyesight condition affecting both eyes (or the remaining eye if monocular); failure to do so may lead to prosecution