Cataracts and driving can become a concern when blurred vision, glare from headlights or difficulty seeing at night make familiar journeys more challenging. For older drivers, recognising these changes and arranging an eye examination can help protect road safety and independence. Here are seven things to know about cataract symptoms, treatment and staying safe behind the wheel. 1. What are cataracts? A cataract develops when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This can make vision blurred or misty, rather like looking through a fogged window. Cataracts often develop with age, and the changes can be gradual. At first, you may notice little difference. Over time, colours may appear faded, lights may seem too bright and seeing at night can become more difficult. 2. Why can cataracts make driving more difficult? Driving depends on being able to see clearly and respond to what is happening around you. Cloudy vision can make that harder, particularly when light levels are low. Glare and halos around headlights can also become troublesome. A journey that feels manageable during daylight may feel much more demanding after dark. These difficulties are recognised symptoms that should be discussed with an eye care professional. 3. What changes should drivers look out for? Blurred vision is one warning sign, but it is not the only one. You might notice that headlights seem unusually dazzling, colours look less vivid or your night vision has become poorer. Needing frequent changes to your glasses prescription can also be a sign. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have cataracts, but they are a reason to arrange an eye examination. It helps to describe what has changed in everyday terms: which journeys feel difficult, whether glare is a problem and how your vision differs between daylight and darkness. 4. Why are regular eye checks important? Gradual changes are easy to overlook. You may start choosing daytime journeys or avoiding unfamiliar roads without stopping to consider why. An eye examination can identify cataracts and help establish what is causing a change in vision. Keeping up with the checks recommended by your optometrist gives you an opportunity to discuss any concerns. If your eyesight changes between appointments, arrange a review rather than waiting for your next routine check. 5. Does a cataract diagnosis mean you must stop driving? Not automatically. Whether you...
We have 5 reasons why slowing down is a good idea writes Geraldine Herbert National Slow Down Day takes place on Monday 31st of August. The nationwide road-safety initiative encourages motorists to reduce their speed and make safer choices behind the wheel. Here are five important reasons to slow down while driving. We have 5 reasons why slowing down is a good idea Save lives –The impact of speed on pedestrian safety is striking. At 60km/h, half of those hit by a car will not survive. At 50km/h, the odds improve, but still, three out of ten won’t make it. However, at 30km/h, nine out of ten pedestrians will survive. Save Fuel –Higher speeds not only burn rubber but also fuel. Driving at 110km/h consumes up to 9% more fuel than cruising at 96km/h, and a whopping 15% more than maintaining a steady 80km/h pace. Save on Maintenance – Slower speeds aren’t just safer for vulnerable road users; they’re also kinder to your vehicle. By easing off the accelerator, you can reduce wear and tear on your car, potentially saving on maintenance costs in the long run. Save Stress – You can reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being by slowing down. Save Money – Staying within the speed limit isn’t just about obeying the law; it’s also about safeguarding your wallet. By avoiding speeding tickets, you can steer clear of unnecessary fines and keep your hard-earned money where it belongs – in your pocket. Geraldine Herbert ...
Top 10 Reasons Why You Fail a Driving Test 1. Poor Observation – particularly at junctions and when changing traffic lanes. 2. Failing to Anticipate – that traffic lights may change: traffic may pull out or turn off, including pedestrians and cyclists. 3. Poor Road Position – when turning left or right (common), on straights, through bends or at roundabouts. 4. Slow Driving – Failing to make adequate and appropriate...
