Vision and Road Safety

When driving, the value of seeing properly can not be underestimated. Actually, safety on the road needs several different visual abilities - for example, the ability to see both near and far ahead, peripheral vision, seeing at night and color vision, plus many others.

Being able to see well into the distance is very important because of how it lets you scan the road in front and spot any dangerous things that might come up. Being able to see ahead gives you a chance to react early and prevent an accident from happening. Alternatively, if your distance vision is poor then there's a chance you might not be aware of the dangers until it's too late.

Distance vision is also directly related to the state of your glasses and windshield, so make sure these are kept clean and scratch-free which can negatively affect your vision, specifically at night and on bright days.

Equally as important is peripheral vision, which allows you to see the sides of your vehicle, which is necessary to be aware of other cars, animals and pedestrians without needing to even glance away from the road ahead. Being able to see peripherally is also crucial for changing lanes and turning. Make sure you know how to use your side and rearview mirrors. Ensure they're angled properly, to assist your side vision.

Road safety is also highly dependent on good depth perception. It allows you to measure distances properly in dense traffic, change lanes and overtake other vehicles on the road. Accurate depth perception calls for adequate functioning in both of your eyes. If you've lost visual acuity in one eye, it's advised to check with an optometrist to see if it is safe for you to get behind the wheel. It may be suggested that you refrain from driving until your vision is corrected to achieve proper depth perception.

Accommodation also comes into use while on the road. Accommodating is the capability to move your focus from something far to something close, for example, from the road to the dashboard. If you're over the age of 45 it's common for you to have increasing difficulty with near vision, and it might be helpful for you to get glasses or another corrective device to make it easier to see objects up close. Make an appointment with your optometrist to talk about the options.

Being able to see color is also pretty important in the car. Drivers must be able to instantly identify traffic lights, indicator signs and warning signals. For those with color blindness, reaction time could be slower than people with regular vision. If this sounds familiar, it's best not to wear medium or dark blue sunglasses, because these can seriously interfere with the ability to identify colors.

Don't wait until you renew or apply for your driver's license to make sure your vision is in check. You don't want to endanger your own life or the lives of the others on the road! If you think your vision isn't perfect, visit your optometrist, and get a proper eye exam sooner rather than later.