There are several concerns for drivers that could lead to car wrecks. However, poor eyesight should be talked about more. Sure, the DMV still conducts an eyesight test for drivers to renew their licenses. However, people who renew their driver’s license online may not have to take one. This means there are many people on the road with less-than-stellar vision. Many drivers also wonder what happens if they get pulled over without their glasses or contacts.

Poor vision is a factor in many car wrecks

Naturally, drivers must be able to see to be safe on the road. However, many drivers on the road need vision aids but either don’t wear them or haven’t gotten a prescription. This is especially dangerous and can lead to car wrecks because people assume their experience trumps the need to see clearly. Additionally, many underestimate how bad their vision is. 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, vision loss increases the likelihood of car wrecks far more than most assume. People with field loss in both eyes are 84% more likely to be in a collision, and even moderate loss of vision in one eye can increase the chances of an accident by a decent margin. 

There are also certain driving conditions where poor vision is more of a problem regarding increased car wrecks. This is particularly the case for driving in bad weather or at night. Because driving with bad eyesight is easy to get away with, many of these drivers are never pulled over.

Online driver’s license renewal is a factor

Nowadays, many people across the country renew their driver’s licenses online. In fact, this is allowed in most states. Part of the issue with this convenience is that many of these drivers are not required to take an eyesight test as they would at the DMV. Some states have guidelines in place for this, but not all. This means that some drivers who would be unable to pass the eyesight test are slipping through the cracks. 

Additionally, most states require drivers to renew their licenses every four years. While this may not seem long, people’s eyesight can change at differing rates. This means that a person who didn’t need glasses or contacts could require them within four years. Again, renewing their driver’s license online could allow them to bypass the exam, depending on their state. This practice makes safety uncertain for everyone on the road. 

The other issue is what happens when a person gets pulled over, and they’re not wearing their vision aids. The punishment for this offense varies by state, but in most cases, it results in a reasonably expensive fine. However, this isn’t enough to deter most visually impaired drivers. Still, poor eyesight is a concern for everyone on the road. It’s essential to get regular eye exams even if you renew your driver’s license online.