Posted on 08/25/2006 9:02:53 PM PDT by elkfersupper
POLICE yesterday insisted a drive to check motorists' eyesight was not a precursor to a speed camera-style blitz of fines.
Health staff and officers from Gwent Police carried out the one-day survey of drivers' eyesight near Abergavenny in what is believed to the first operation of its kind in the UK.
More than 500 car drivers and motorcyclists took part in the roadside research, which is hoped will yield vital information to improve road safety.
Inspector Glyn Fernquest, who led the policing at yesterday's survey, said, "There are big things made about speed but there are other contributory factors [in road traffic accidents].
"We wanted to ask if there was an issue with drivers' eyesight.
It's not about stopping people and giving them big fines - that's not about road safety."
As we revealed yesterday, the tests were introduced to help understand and combat the danger of "blind-driving".
Currently drivers can, perfectly legally, go up to 53 years without having their eyes tested.
According to the Royal National Institute for the Blind a third of the UK's drivers, about 13 million people, could be breaking the law and putting themselves and others in danger because of poor vision.
Yesterday's operation involved pulling motorists over into a drizzly windswept layby on the side of the A4042 Newport to Abergavenny road.
Drivers were told the tests were voluntary and anonymous and were then asked to look at four number plates mounted on poles a distance of 10m, 15m, 20m and 25m from the vehicle.
They were then asked to read aloud the furthest plate they could see clearly.
The minimum standard for new drivers, carried out as part of the driving test, is 20m.
Dulcie Jenkins, 74, of Cwmbran, was one of the hundreds of drivers who willingly took part in yesterday's research.
Mrs Jenkins, who initially feared there may have been an accident on the road ahead when she was pulled over by officers, said, "I think it's a good idea.
"Maybe some people do neglect their eyesight, particularly when you get older."
Mrs Jenkins, who has previously been treated for cataracts and who had her last eye examination six weeks ago, passed the test with flying colours.
In contrast, one of yesterday's motorists was only able to read the first number plate, a mere 10m away.
The unnamed driver then explained to officers that he had forgotten to put his glasses on and, when he did, he was able to read the furthest plate.
Police warned that such drivers were putting themselves and others at risk, especially on a day such as yesterday in which poor driving conditions were prevalent across much of Wales.
Because involvement in the survey was voluntary, officers said no criminal action would be taken against anyone failing yesterday's tests.
However, drivers deemed to be a potential danger because of their poor eyesight would not have been allowed to drive on but would rather have been taken to their destination by officers and warned to have an urgent eye test.
Yesterday's tests were a joint operation between the police, the National Public Health Service for Wales and the Gwent Healthcare Trust.
The results will be analysed over the coming month to help researchers understand the scale of the problem.
It is hoped that the research will initiate a debate on whether to call for more education or even legislation such as mandatory eye tests for drivers.
Meanwhile Dr Chris Potter, public health director for Newport Local Health Board, said he did not believe the scrapping of free eye tests was a factor in the issue.
"Compared to the cost of motoring an eye test is minimal," he said. "I don't think it should be a major consideration.
"If we give free eye tests that's money that could be used perhaps for more urgent needs in the NHS. It's a question of priorities."
I'm pleased to note that only those over age 53 are targeted (I'm 54).
After all, it's for our own good! What tyranny was ever established in the name of tyranny?
Damned shame that.
L
Eye tests aren't a requirement for a license I suppose.
Hey at least they had medical personnel performing the eye test! The cops here give "vehicle saftey checks" and are really looking for DUI bust. That's why there aren't certified auto engineers doing diagnostic checks?
It's all about controlling the population.
It has nothing to do with safety.
I bet a lot of you didn't know that monovision (one eye corrected for far, one for near) is illegal for commercial interstate truck drivers in the US. Most eye doctors don't even know that and yet they regularly prescribe monovision either by contact lenses or refractive surgery.
If the "blind" are not supposed to drive, then why the brail on the drive-up ATM? Blackbird.
There is a Braille Institute right off the 101 Freeway...
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