New research from the Royal National Institute of the Blind shows that one in three drivers could be putting themselves and others at risk by driving with poor eyesight. It showed that 32% of all drivers were not having their eyes tested regularly.

Charles Davis, RoSPA head of driver and fleet solutions, said: ‘Employers should be sure that people who drive as part of their jobs understand the importance of regular eyesight checks. They should also have a policy that anyone who needs glasses or contact lenses when driving wears them.

‘Fleet managers should advise drivers to carry a spare pair of glasses with them for use in emergencies and companies could consider subsidising eyesight checks for their drivers every two years.’

The Highway Code says that drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20.5 metres – about five car lengths – in good daylight.

Davis said fleet managers should check that new employees were able to do this and build in regular checks for other drivers to ensure they were not breaking the law. If drivers did not have their eyesight checked regularly, they would not know if it had deteriorated and they could be putting their lives and those of other road users at risk.