Vision Behind The Wheel

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31728, 11 July 1968, Page 16

Vision Behind The Wheel

Christchurch opticians, commenting a day or two ago on mandatory tests for vehicle drivers on reaching the age of 50, said that some very bad instances of motorists with faulty eyesight had been revealed. One said there had been some resistance to the tests, although drivers receiving new glasses often admitted that their sight had not been good. Another thought that the test age could usefully be lowered to detect poor vision earlier. A gradual decline from normal vision may escape notice; and some persons have an extraordinary capacity to convince themselves that nothing is amiss even when hey have to peer or strain to see something that in earlier years would have been plainly recognisable. Far from resenting compulsory tests, drivers should appreciate that better sight better protects them and others against the dangers of the road. Driving becomes more and more hazardous as traffic density increases. A driver must see and comprehend instantly both the expected and the unexpected. The conscientious driver, if he has the slightest suspicion that his vision needs checking, will not wait for the compulsory test Drivers who hold long-term licences have a special responsibility to be honest with themselves—and others. Reliable vision is indispensable to safe driving.