Is Driving With a Visual Impairment Difficult?

Posted by novusautoglassc on January 15th, 2021

In most countries, there are mandatory visual standards that must be met for a driver to get their driving licence and to drive safely on the road.

Unlike before, there are different types of visual aids available that make it possible for people with visual impairments to drive their car safely. Some of these include glasses or contact lenses.

Also, advancements in car safety technology have made it easier for safe driving. There are self-driving cars, driver assistant features, as well as sensory features in modern cars. All this makes it possible for people with visual impairments to drive around safely.

Special Licences for People with Visual Impairments

In most cases, people with visual impairments are given a special driving licence. This is mostly accompanied by restrictions, such not being able to drive at night. They are also required to make some modifications to their cars to help them drive safely.

To get this licence, an eye test is conducted which determines if the driver will be eligible to drive their car.

Driving with a visual impairment is not difficult most of the time. In most cases, you'll find other drivers making more driving mistakes compared to visually impaired drivers. Most people who have some type of visual impairment are extra cautious and self-aware.

Though sometimes accidents do happen, with careful consideration and use of visual aids, this becomes a rare occurrence.

Simplifying Driving for Drivers with Visual Acuity

Drives with a visual impairment are not always restricted when driving, nor should they be. They need to be supported in every way possible to make the drive safer.

One of the first steps to take if you’re trying to get a special licence with a visual impairment is to conduct intensive testing through an eye specialist. This will help determine the driving risk level depending on the visual test results.

Some of these tests include:

• Visual Fields
• Contrast sensitivity
• Processing speed
• Divided attention test

These tests help determine whether a person is eligible for a full licence, special licence, or whether it is recommended they don’t drive.

Older people tend to have more visual difficulties while driving. They are required to be more careful on the road and get regular visual tests to continue driving.

Did you know that the windscreen is one of the most important parts of a car? A clean and clear windshield makes it easy for people with visual impairments to see what's ahead of them on the road.

A windscreen that cannot be cleaned needs urgent replacement; contact Novus Auto Glass to get your windscreen serviced. They are professionals in offering windscreen repair and replacement services. Get more information about Novus Auto Glass services.