Recent research has suggested that many fleet managers are not doing enough to safeguard the eyesight of car and van drivers by ensuring their eyes are tested regularly. It is imperative for fleet drivers to have good eyesight, yet many organisations do not have any policies in place for testing or monitoring eyesight levels and promoting the importance of good vision. Experts recommend drivers are tested for their eyesight at least once every two years, but many drivers are not encouraged to follow that advice. The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) revealed recently that 12.5 million people miss their annual eyesight tests. The Fleet Safety Forum _ a division of road safety charity, Brake _ surveyed fleet managers on their road risk management practices. Almost half of all companies surveyed (42 per cent) admitted they did not offer any level of eyesight testing for their drivers via a company scheme and over half (56 per cent) revealed they had no record for when drivers last had their eyes examined. Dr Franziska Rauscher, senior researcher at the Department of Ophthalmology at Leipzig University Hospital, said: 'Companies would benefit from organising regular, specialised professional eye testing for employees who drive. "This should be tailored to the working environment of employees, incorporating a consultation on adequate correction where needed, to ensure their safety. "These professional eye tests should be proactively provided by companies to assure best possible vision for each individual driver." Fleet drivers need to be given the best possible conditions for driving and that's why so many businesses use our fleet appraisal and refurbishment services to maintain cars and vans that pound the nation's highways on a day-to-day basis. At IT Fleet Automotive all vehicles we receive are checked by fully trained inspectors who carry out electronic and physical inspections of fleet vehicles, giving our customers a clear picture of what's required to maintain their high performance on the road. Looking for a second opinion on your own company's fleet? Why not give us a try _ call our friendly team today on 01473 313057 or email us using our online enquiry form.
