A HALESOWEN optician is encouraging drivers to ‘Get Yourself Seen’ as part of an awareness campaign to encourage sight checks, especially during the winter months.

Staff at the Scrivens Opticians branch in the Cornbow Shopping Centre are driving the campaign to coincide with the shorter days as the clocks go back this weekend (Sunday, October 29).

Research of 2,000 motorists, commissioned by Scrivens, has revealed that driving in the dark and snowy weather are among their top fears, and they are more likely to hang up their keys during the winter months than at any other time of year.

Branch manager Denise Wilkes said: “Driving is certainly a challenge at this time of year as fading light and shorter days make it more difficult to see.

“Changes to your vision should be more noticeable during the autumn and winter months, so our advice is not to ignore these signs and get yourself seen.

“Drivers need optimum vision for their own safety and the safety of other road users.

“Vision does deteriorate with age, with the 40-plus group particularly at risk, but it can be corrected and give people back confidence they may have lost.”

Every year, there are around 2,900 casualties caused by drivers with poor vision but there are many simple things people can do to improve their vision when driving.

Denise added: “Getting your eyes tested is vital, as changes to our vision is usually gradual and often goes unnoticed.

“Sunglasses with a dark tint will also help fight against the blinding glare that can be experienced on bright sunny days, as will keeping your windscreen clean and the water levels topped up, and using a vehicle’s sun visors where necessary also help.”

As part of the Get Yourself Seen campaign, Scrivens is offering £10 sight tests for a limited period.