P439 CEEFAX 1 439 Sat 30 Aug 20:52/14 OVER A MILLION DRIVERS WITH BAD EYES More than a million motorists are driving around unaware that their eyesight is below the safe minimum standard, research shows. Many motorists adjust their driving in line with their visual abilities - but those who do not have 10% more accidents. If drivers with poor eyesight were more aware of their limitations, death-and- injury accidents could fall by more than 900 a year, according to the research, which was sponsored by car company Vauxhall and carried out by Aston University of Birmingham. Headlines 430 BBC2: Events 490 1/3 Flights News Heads Trav Head 400s A-ZP439 CEEFAX 1 439 Sat 30 Aug 20:51/07 X OVER A MILLION DRIVERS WITH BAD EYES The survey, which involved questioning 8,000 drivers at motorway service areas, showed that 4% of drivers - about 1.2 million people - could be unaware of their poor eyesight. Findings of the survey, which is supported bz police and road safety officers, is being offered to the Department of Environment and Transport for use in any future Govjtnmjnt review of the effectiveness and suitability of the current L-test eyesight measure. Headlines 430 BBC2: Events 490 2/3 Flights News Heads Trav Head 400s A-ZP439 CEEFAX 1 439 Sat 30 Aug 20:51/24 OVER A MILLION DRIVERS WITH BAD EYES At present, to pass the test, drivjts have to be able to read a number plate at a distance of 67 feet. "The number of drivers on the road with defective vision is a major issue and one which we, as a leading voice in the motor industry, wish to highlight," said Vauxhall marketing director Declan O'Mahonz. Paul Manning, secretary of the traffic committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "Clearly, there is a need for drivers to realisj they need to test their eyesight regularly." Headlines 430 BBC2: Events 490 3/3 Flights News Heads Trav Head 400s A-Z