Senior Guide for Safe Driving (PDF) - California Department of Motor ...

vision
You need good vision to drive safely. If you cannot see
clearly, you cannot judge distances or spot problems and
react appropriately. You also need to see out of the corner
of your eye (peripheral vision) to spot cars or objects
coming up beside you while you are looking ahead.
You may see clearly and still not be able to judge distances.
You need good distance judgment so you know how far
you are from other cars, crosswalks, etc. Many people
who may see clearly in the daytime have trouble seeing
at night. Some individuals see poorly in dim light. Others
may have trouble seeing the road in the glare of headlights.
Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams,
is the key to protecting your vision. With appropriate
treatment, many vision impairments can be minimized,
prevented, or slowed; so be sure to make regular
appointments with your eye physician.
Three Common Vision Impairments
Cataracts
A cataract clouds the eye’s lens making it harder to see the
road, street signs, other cars, and pedestrians. Other signs
of a cataract are colors that look faded, objects that look
blurry in either bright light or at night, and a more intense
reaction to headlight glare.
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