A CAR hire company in Worcester is urging drivers in the city to have their eyesight tested as part of Road Safety Week this week.

According to research conducted by the Eyecare Information Service, the eyesight of one in 10 drivers doesn't meet the legal minimum - that adds up to 3.5 million drivers nationwide.

Now Driver Hire, of The Tything, has linked up with High Street opticians Dollond & Aitchison to offer free tests to all its drivers.

They firm is launching this new initiative to coincide with "Road Safety Week 2004", which started on Monday and runs until Sunday.

"If your eyesight isn't up to scratch, not only does it invalidate your insurance, it's an offence," said Driver Hire Worcester spokesperson Pam Turner.

"And, of course, poor vision could result in you being involved in an accident.

"The danger is that your eyesight can deteriorate without you realising.

"We want to ensure that when our drivers are behind the wheel of a client's vehicle, they have a clear view of what is on the road ahead.

"The advice we are giving is that all drivers should have their eyesight tested at least once every two years."