[Visual information and road safety]

The French authorities have recently decided that an eye-sight examination should be required for the delivery of a driving licence and also at a later date for confirmed drivers. This appeared to be necessary, because the impairment of driver's visual capacity is sometimes the cause, either directly or indirectly, of accidents. The visual information relies on the visual acuity but also on contrast sensitivity, the spatial perception, the color vision, the depth appreciation and the visual recovery after a glare. During twilight and during normal night driving with dipped-beam headlights, the luminance of the roadway is very low and reduces the efficiency of the functions indicated above. Other factors also appear to be unfavorable such as: old age, being tired and unreasonable drinking and use of drugs. The visual information of the drivers depends on the technical equipment of the road and more precisely on the general lighting of the most dangerous spots of heavy traffic roads. In order to reduce both the frequency and gravity of accidents, standards covering the minimal efficiency of each eye function are required, such as the choice of the specifications covering the eye examinations.