Millions of drivers are at risk of breaking vital road safety rules, as new data shows motorists are failing to go for eye tests, prompting calls for new laws.

A concerning new survey has revealed that almost a quarter of UK motorists have not undergone an eye examination within the past two years, despite clear NHS guidance recommending biennial checks.

The research indicates that 24 per cent of drivers are potentially operating vehicles without ensuring their vision meets safety standards.

This finding emerges as road safety concerns intensify, with current regulations requiring drivers to demonstrate adequate eyesight only once during their initial driving test by reading a number plate from 20 metres away.

Experts are calling for new requirements to ensure all drivers have a suitable level of vision

Following this single assessment, motorists face no further mandatory vision checks throughout their driving careers.

Department for Transport figures reveal that 240 individuals suffered injuries and seven lost their lives in 2023 due to collisions where defective eyesight played a role.

This represents the highest casualty count since 2017, when 262 people were affected by similar incidents.

The gravity of the situation prompted HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, to issue a prevention of future deaths report to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in April.

The report detailed four fatalities caused by motorists who had disregarded opticians' warnings that their vision had declined below safe driving standards.

Nicholas Mantel, head of motor insurance at Churchill, said: "It seems surprising that UK drivers never need to prove that their eyesight is safe enough for driving once they have passed their driving test.

"What is even more remarkable is that some people continue to drive despite suspecting that their eyesight isn't good enough or are doing so without wearing their prescription lenses or glasses."

He noted that the research shows "overwhelming" public support to make roads safer with compulsory eyesight tests for motorists.

The Churchill survey uncovered strong public backing for reform, with 83 per cent of UK adults supporting mandatory eye examinations for drivers every 10 years.

Support increases to 88 per cent for compulsory vision tests every three years for motorists aged 70 and above.

Perhaps most concerning, 12 per cent of drivers surveyed confessed they either believed their eyesight fell below legal requirements for driving or were uncertain whether it met standards.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander recently told the Commons Transport Select Committee she is "open to considering" requiring older motorists to pass eye tests to retain their driving licences as part of the Government's forthcoming road safety strategy.

Experts have previously called for compulsory eyesight tests once a driver reaches 70 years of agePA

There have also been calls from the College of Optometrists to introduce new rules to boost safety and protect all road users.

A DfT spokesman said: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.

"The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight.

"We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this."