The New York Department of Motor Vehicles has a new policy that should scare every driver on the road: New drivers don’t need to prove they can see.
Yes, you read that right. Anyone can self-certify that he has adequate vision before taking to the roads. No more looking at that pesky eye chart to make sure you can see at least 20 feet away. Nope. In New York—and as Reuters reports, in six other states—you just have to pinky-swear you can see before hopping behind the wheel.
New York used to require that people show up every 8 years at the DMV or at their doctor’s office to take an eye exam. State Senator Patty Ritchie (R-Ogdensburg), said she’s opposed to the new regulations, because many people aren’t aware of their deteriorating vision until they’re forced to take a vision test. The move is simply a ploy by the cash-strapped state to boost driver license renewals online, she said.
“New York has made great progress in making our roads safer, including a determined effort to crack down on dangerous and distracted driving,” said Senator Ritchie, referring to new laws against cell phone use, texting and aggressive driving.
“The most critical faculty for safety when driving is good vision,” said AAA New York spokesman Robert Sinclair. “Because of illness, injury or the natural degradation of eyesight that takes place after age 40, it’s important to have regular checkups to ensure good vision. With the new regulations, conceivably, a person could go decades without having their vision checked.”
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