MP Led Campaign pledges to end fatal road collisions at hands of visually-impaired motorists, more than 10 years after Rochford bride-to-be was killed by partially blind driver

Natalie Wade, 28, was shopping for her wedding dress with her mum when she was hit by a partially sighted driver as she walked across a pedestrian crossing. She died five days later, on Valentine’s Day 2006. The 78-year-old driver who hit Natalie had been told by medical professionals that his sight was too poor to continue driving, yet he did so unlawfully. 

For over ten years Natalie’s aunt, Reverend Brenda Gutberlet, has campaigned for a change in the law, without success. Ahead of Road Safety Week in 2016, Brenda joined a group of MPs to support Vision Express with an industry-leading initiative. The national optician aims to safeguard the UK’s roads by raising awareness of the importance of regular eye tests for drivers.

Brenda has since been tirelessly campaigning to put in place legislation so it is not the sole responsibility of the driver to inform the DVLA if their eyesight falls below the standard to drive. When polled by Vision Express, over half of drivers (51%) agreed with Brenda that this voluntary approach should be abolished, with 75% stating they would support legislation to make proof of a recent eye test mandatory when renewing a driving licence.  

Vision Express is continuing to lobby Government to display ‘Eye Tests Save Lives’ signs across major highways as part of its campaign to raise awareness of the link between poor driver vision and road safety. 

For more information,please contact Emma at TVC Group:emma.kaye@tvcgroup.com