Older drivers risk £1,000 fine for common roadside safety check

Older drivers have been warned to check one thing before taking to the roads to and the .

Whilst there is for motorists in the UK, it is important that drivers approaching the age of 70 make a number of necessary checks to make sure they are .

The vehicle retailer highlighted that one thing drivers must regularly check is their eyesight, with those who fail a certain test .

They explained: “The driving standards in the UK dictate that all drivers should be able to read a licence plate from 20 metres away. Yet, some people regularly leave their at home or avoid updating their prescriptions.

“Not only is this decision incredibly dangerous, but it could cost you three points on your licence and a fine of up to £1,000 if it is found that your vision has impacted a crash.”

Whilst being able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away may sound trivial, having good eyesight is instrumental in being able to react to emergency situations safely.

Between 2014 and 2024, more than 2,500 road users were either killed or injured in an accident that was caused by a motorist who had poor eyesight.

To prevent the figure from increasing, the police have the power to stop any driver and conduct an on-the-spot vision test to determine whether their eyesight is sufficient, with those who fail being issued a fine, licence points, and even a driving disqualification.

The retailer also recommended that drivers who have perfect eyesight make sure they are using it correctly, avoiding the urge to look at other things inside or around the vehicle.

They added: “Even if your eyesight is perfect, your eyes can still be diverted from the road, increasing the risk of a crash. Putting your phone outside of your vision is the best way to deter yourself from becoming distracted.

“This can also save you from a £200 fine and 6 points on your licence if you are caught looking at your phone.”