A local opticians has donated 30 high visibility vests to a nursery in their area in order to help ensure its children are seen by drivers.
Specsavers based in Backhall Sainsbury’s donated the vests to Blackhall Nursery, which is an accredited ‘eco-nursery’ and encourages the children to walk, scoot or cycle when travelling to and from home.
The nursery was thrilled to accept the vests as its parent committee had raised the issue of road safety at a recent meeting.
Gillian Santangeli, nursery manager, says: ‘We would like to thank Specsavers for the generous donation of hi-vis vests. The staff and parents are delighted to have received the vests so that our children are able to be seen and are therefore safer when out and about during these darker months. The children LOVE them and we have a whole class wearing them all day, every day!’
One of the children from the nursery was also quoted, saying: ‘Everyone can see us now!’
Stuart Miller, retail director at Specsavers Backhall, says: ‘We are so pleased that we were able to donate vests to Blackhall Nursery and support another local business.
‘Keeping children safe while they are enjoying the fresh air and exercise is so important and we are thrilled to be able to help.
‘Aside from ensuring pedestrians are as visible as possible, it is also important that drivers ensure they are up-to-date with eye examinations to ensure their eyesight is fit for driving. We typically recommend everyone has an eye exam every two years, unless your optometrist advises you to have one more frequently.’
Research shows that poor vision increases a driver’s risk of crashing as it limits their ability to recognise hazards and impacts reaction time1. Worryingly, the DVLA recently found that just 48% of drivers were aware of the essential eyesight requirement of the 20-metre number plate test2.
With one in five drivers3 admitting they expect to use their cars more as a result of the pandemic and with figures showing someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads every 22 minutes4, Specsavers is highlighting how to minimise these risks.
To speak to a member of the team or book an appointment, please contact Specsavers Blackhall on 0131 334 8241.
Issued by tigerbond on behalf of Specsavers.
FURTHER INFORMATION
References:
1https://www.theaa.com/driving-school/driving-lessons/advice/eyesight-and-driving
3 https://www.brake.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/mybrake/knowledge-centre/uk-road-safety