21 November 2002: A quarter of all drivers could be driving unsafely due to poor eyesight, according to the RAC Foundation. A new survey conducted by one of Britain's leading opticians into the vision capabilities of motorists showed that an alarming number could be driving around dangerously as they failed a basic sight test.

Specsavers Opticians conducted 3,000 eye tests at the International Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. A staggering 700 of the drivers failed a basic vision test which was offered free of charge as part of the opticians campaign to educate motorists regarding the dangers of driving with poor eyesight.

Previous research on motorists' eyesight has suggested that only 19 per cent of drivers were below the legal eyesight standard. The research, conducted by Aston University, also showed that a higher number failed the test when were over the age of 65.

Potential eyesight problems include blurred vision - around 60 per cent of drivers in the UK are long sighted while 30 per cent are short sighted.

Around half the states in the USA test drivers for peripheral vision. Research evidence linking poor peripheral vision to accidents there is strong.

The most common cause of visual impairment among adults of working age is 'patchy' vision which can be caused by diabetic retinopathy.

People in middle or old age often have tunnel vision. The most common form is glaucoma which can be detected at an early stage if the individual is having regular eyesight checks. Careful treatment can halt or delay its progression. Indeed, regular eye checks can show up a number of other long term health problems unrelated to vision.

Many drivers who experience no problems in daylight conditions have great difficulty in driving at night and find the dazzle of oncoming vehicles blinding.