DRIVERS with relatively poor vision are less likely to have accidents, according to preliminary findings from a nationwide road safety initiative currently underway. The claim follows an examination of data from 2,000 drivers who have taken part in a 10-minute voluntary eye screening at motorway service areas and some major A-road locations, sponsored by Vauxhall.

Dr Mark Dunne, of the vision sciences department at Aston University, Birmingham, which is analysing the preliminary results, said: 'Our initial findings indicate that drivers with relatively poor vision drive more slowly or avoid driving when possible, so reducing the risk of accidents.' He added that, compared to drivers with vision above the legal standard, up to 10% more drivers failing the standard reported slowing down or avoiding driving in poor visibility.