Road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives globally every year, making them one of the leading causes of death and disability. While road safety strategies often focus on infrastructure and enforcement, good vision remains a critical yet frequently overlooked factor. Clear eyesight enables drivers to detect hazards, judge distances accurately, and read road signs—functions that are essential for safe driving.
Vision Impairment and Road Crash Risk
Research increasingly highlights the strong link between visual impairment and road traffic accidents. Studies indicate that drivers with cataracts are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in at-fault crashes. Similarly, more than 26 percent of truck drivers have refractive errors, yet only 47 percent of those prescribed spectacles regularly use them.
The situation is particularly concerning in India. Although the country has only about 1 percent of the world’s motor vehicles, it accounts for nearly 11 percent of global road traffic deaths. In 2024 alone, India recorded 4.87 lakh road accidents, resulting in 1.77 lakh fatalities and causing an estimated economic loss of around 3 percent of GDP.
Furthermore, research shows that 81 percent of drivers with at least one visual function defect have been involved in a road traffic accident, emphasising the urgent need to address vision as a key component of road safety.
VARS Conference Brings Stakeholders Together
To address this gap, the Vision and Road Safety (VARS) Conference brought together experts and stakeholders from the transport, health, research, and development sectors. The conference, organised collaboratively by India Vision Institute, Mission for Vision, Sightsavers India, and VisionSpring Foundation, was held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai.
As per the press release, the event served as a platform for experts, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the role of eye health in road safety and explore strategies to strengthen preventive measures.
Advocating Vision as the Fifth ‘E’ of Road Safety
A key theme of the conference was the proposal to recognise eye health and clear vision as the fifth “E” of road safety, alongside the existing pillars—Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Medical Services.
Experts highlighted that systematic vision screening, access to corrective eyewear, and policy integration could significantly reduce preventable road crashes. By incorporating eye health into road safety frameworks, authorities can address a major yet under-recognised risk factor affecting drivers.
On-Ground Impact Through Vision Screening Initiatives
The collaborative efforts of organisations within the VARS network have already produced significant results. So far, the four partner organisations have screened approximately 2.5 million drivers for vision impairments and distributed more than 1.17 million pairs of eyeglasses.
Moreover, additional screening programmes are planned for 3,00,000 drivers across India, further expanding access to essential eye care and strengthening road safety outcomes.
Integrating Eye Health into Road Safety Policies
During the conference, participants also explored ways to integrate vision screening and eye health considerations into national and state road safety policies. These efforts align with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to achieve a 50 percent reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries worldwide.
Through expert discussions and knowledge exchange, the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration between transport authorities, healthcare systems, employers, researchers, and civil society organisations.
Experts Emphasise the Importance of Clear Vision for Safe Driving
Representatives from the VARS Alliance underscored the importance of integrating eye health into road safety systems.
“Safe driving begins with clear vision, yet eye health is still often overlooked in road safety systems. The VARS Conference brings together stakeholders from the health, transport, and development sectors to advance this conversation. If we are serious about preventing road crashes and protecting lives, vision screening and access to corrective care must become a routine part of driver health and road safety mechanisms. By strengthening vision screening programmes and ensuring drivers have access to quality eye care, we can help drivers see clearly and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Broad Participation from Multiple Sectors
The conference brought together over 100 participants, including government representatives, road safety experts, eye health professionals, public health specialists, transport authorities, researchers, and civil society organisations. Their collective engagement highlighted the growing recognition that protecting vision is essential to improving road safety and saving lives.