Drivers back regular eye tests as Aviva data shows poor-sight collisions rise in winter

As the days grow shorter and journeys in the dark become more common, new motor insurance data finds that collisions linked to poor sight increase during the winter months.

Aviva motor insurance claims data indicates that collisions where poor sight was identified as a contributing factor rise during winter. Analysis of over 545,000 collision claims finds that poor sight was cited in 15% more claims in the winter months, compared to the year as a whole.

Separate research among motorists reveals there is strong support for more regular eye testing.^[1] Aviva's research of over 2,000 drivers found that more than three-quarters (77%) support regular eyesight tests for motorists. There is support among all age groups, rising to over 80% among those aged 45 and older. On average, drivers who thought this believe that tests should be redone every five years.^[2]

Owen Morris, CEO Personal Lines at Aviva, said: "With the days getting shorter and winter approaching, we are entering a period where reduced daylight, poor weather and challenging road conditions can make hazards harder to spot.

"Modern vehicle technology can provide valuable assistance, but it should never be seen as a substitute for being able to see clearly and react appropriately to changing conditions on the road.

"Many drivers only think about their eyesight when they notice a problem, but regular eye tests can help identify changes that occur gradually over time. It’s a good idea for motorists to have regular eye tests if they have any concerns or to check for any changes to their sight which may impair their ability to drive”.

Assisted driving technology can often help drivers with visibility issues on the road. However, Aviva’s research suggests that the variety of UK cars means that assisted technology is not widespread among drivers. Only two fifths (41%) of drivers said that they had blind spot detection tech, while over a quarter (27%) don’t have or don’t know if they have parking cameras/reversing sensors.^[3]

Aviva’s top tips for driving this winter:

• Always wear your glasses or contact lenses when you drive. Under DVLA rules, you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’. You must also tell DVLA if you have or develop any conditions affecting your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one.
• Consider regular eye tests, even if you have not noticed any obvious changes to your vision. You may need new or updated prescription glasses to ensure optimum vision when driving in the dark.
• Allow extra time for journeys in poor weather or low-light conditions.
• Keep windscreens clean inside and out to reduce glare and improve visibility.
• Avoid relying solely on driver-assistance technologies when assessing hazards.

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References:

^1. _{Polling research conducted by Censuswide [↑]}

^2. _{Mean excluding ‘Don’t know’ [↑]}

^3. _{No’ and ‘Don’t know’ responses combined [↑]}

Methodology:

_{The polling research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,202 car owners who drive (17+), including 250 aged 17-24. The data was collected between 08.01.2026 - 19.01.2026.}

_{Aviva analysed collision claims recorded between 2023 and 2025. Analysis was conducted using accident circumstance descriptions to identify references to poor sight and visibility-related issues. Figures relating to ‘poor sight’ are based on instances where eyesight was identified within claim descriptions as a contributing factor and may not capture all collisions where eyesight played a role.}

_{Winter months are defined as November-February.}

Enquiries:

Sid Varma

+44 (0) 7385 018 944

sid.varma@aviva.com

Liz Kennett

+44 (0) 7800 692 675

liz.kennett@aviva.com