Three out of five drivers have poor eyesight, a survey revealed today.
Dozens of motorists screened by opticians last October failed eyetests and should be wearing glasses.
Out of 100 people aged 50 or over tested, 60 had eyesight which failed the legal requirement for driving.
To raise awareness of the dangers the Road Safety Authority has joined forces with one chain of opticians to promote the Focus on Drivingcampaign offering free eye tests.
RSA chairman Gay Byrne warned that other road users were being put at risk.
"What we are doing is making it possible for people who may be concerned about their eyesight to have it vision screened, free of charge," he said.
"If the screening indicates that someone needs a full eye test, they'll be referred to their local opticians for an eye examination.
"And if you are told to wear glasses when driving - wear them. Failure to do so not only means breaking the law but putting yourself and others in danger."
The RSA and Specsavers Opticians will offer free eye tests at the Modern Homes Exhibition, Limerick from September 21st to 23rd; National Ploughing Championships, Tullamore September 25th to 27th; and the Over 50s Show, Dublin October 13th and 14th.
PA