MOTORISTS are literally turning a blind eye to safety by driving with poor eyesight, say researchers.
More than one in 10 people surveyed who need to wear glasses or contact lenses admitted frequently driving without them.
And a quarter of those taking part in the survey by car insurer Zurich say they haven't had an eye test in the last two years - even though opticians recommend annual checks.
And a staggering one in 20 male motorists say they have never had their eyes checked.
But despite this, 97% agree that poor vision can cause accidents.
Also, more than half believe police should conduct on-the- spot tests if a motorist is stopped for erratic driving.
And three-quarters of Britons believe an eye test certificate should be produced for driving tests.
More than half feel such a certificate should be required to be produced while paying vehicle licence tax.
Sarah Fatica, a spokes-woman for Huddersfield-based road safety charity Brake, said drivers knew that wearing seat belts reduced their risk of injury, but when it came to their own bodies and avoiding accidents they ignored the warning signs.
She added that people would not use heavy machinery without being able to see, so why would they get behind the wheel of a car?
Ms Fatica said the charity was in favour of any change in the law which would require drivers to keep a spare set of glasses in their cars in case of emergencies.
