In 2013, more than 2 in 3 French people wear glasses (73%) or contact lenses (7%). With an increasing number of people who wear them permanently (50% against 45% in 2012). However, according to the latest visual health barometer from Asnav (National Association for the Improvement of Sight), one in five young people do not wear their glasses or contact lenses when driving.
However, as the Asnav reminds us, “good driving reflexes do not only depend on speed but also on the conditions in which the driver is. And visual acuity is part of it. But, once the license is in his pocket , young people still have very little awareness of the dangers to which they can be exposed while driving “.
Vision impairment delays reaction time
Since August 31, 2010, a decree of the Highway Code stipulates that “any candidate for a driving license must undergo the appropriate examinations to ensure that he has visual acuity compatible with driving motor vehicles”. You must then wear the glasses that may have been prescribed during this examination.
“A visual defect is as dangerous as the effect of alcohol or drugs on driving because the impairment of vision delays the reaction time in the event of danger” insist the experts from Asnav.
“To be in full possession of your visual abilities you must also remember to wear sunglasses to avoid the inconvenience caused by the brightness. Lowering the sun visor is far from sufficient in case of glare” they add. welcoming that 87% of drivers have the “sunglasses” reflex when driving.
Other reluctance of drivers pointed out in the Visual Health Barometer: 14% of French people think that wearing glasses to drive in town is less useful than to drive on the motorway and 8% of drivers who think they have an uncorrected visual defect do not get it done. not control for fear of no longer having the right to drive.
