Introduction
About 90% of the information needed for safe driving comes through your eyes. Good vision helps you recognize road signs, spot hazards, judge distances, and react quickly. Poor vision can lead to delayed responses and dangerous mistakes.
Types of Vision Needed for Safe Driving
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Visual Acuity (Sharpness of Vision)
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Ability to clearly read road signs and see objects at a distance.
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Tested at the DMV during license application or renewal.
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Peripheral Vision (Side Vision)
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Detects movement and vehicles outside your direct line of sight.
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Important for spotting cars in adjacent lanes, pedestrians, or cyclists.
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Depth Perception
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Ability to judge the distance between your car and others.
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Critical for passing, merging, and parking safely.
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Color Vision
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Recognizing traffic signals, brake lights, and roadway markings.
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Colorblind drivers must pay extra attention to signal position and brightness.
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Night Vision
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Ability to see in low light and recover from the glare of headlights.
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Reduces with age and fatigue.
Common Vision Problems Affecting Drivers
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Nearsightedness (Myopia)—Trouble seeing distant objects clearly.
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Farsightedness (Hyperopia)—Difficulty focusing on nearby details.
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Astigmatism—Blurred or distorted vision.
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Glaucoma/Cataracts—Loss of peripheral vision or cloudy sight, common in older drivers.
Tips for Maintaining Good Vision While Driving
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Schedule regular eye exams (every 1–2 years).
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Keep windshields, mirrors, and headlights clean.
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Wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
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Avoid tinted or scratched lenses at night.
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Reduce glare with polarized sunglasses in daylight.
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Slow down and increase following distance at night or in bad weather.
Utah Vision Requirements
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Must have 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
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Drivers with vision between 20/50 and 20/70 may receive restricted licenses.
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Peripheral vision requirement: at least 90 degrees in one eye.
Why It Matters
Clear vision saves lives. A driver with poor vision may miss a stop sign, fail to notice a pedestrian, or misjudge distance when passing. Maintaining good eye health is as important as keeping your vehicle in a safe condition.
Takeaway: Driving safely requires sharp, wide, and reliable vision. Regular eye care and safe visual habits are essential for all drivers.