of their surrounding counties.

Onto another measure.

This one affecting Kentucky drivers and 2021 state lawmakers passed legislation they hope will improve highway safety as our Laura Rodgers explains, it goes into effect.

The first of the year.

Come January.

First, when you go to renew your driver's license in Kentucky, there's one more step you must complete before doing so.

>> You'll either need to take paperwork from your eye care provider or do a quick screening at a driver licensing regional office to make sure your eyesight is safe for driving.

>> As the only time you took a official screening when you got your driver's license or 16 years old.

>> But that's about to change as soon.

It won't just be new drivers tested on their vision.

Safe drivers.

See clearly Kentucky will soon join several other states in having a vision screening requirements before you can renew your driver's license.

It's a great idea.

Optometrist doctor Alex Competencies about 30 to 40 patients a day at his Franklin practice.

You would be surprised that the brain can hide.

He says people often don't realize their eyesight is failing until they complete an example for his poor clearance.

Oftentimes vision loss is very slow, very progressive.

>> A national research shows that drivers with visual field loss in both eyes.

84% more likely to be involved in.

>> Officials hope this new requirement will make our highways safer.

AAA says more than 800 people lost their lives on Kentucky roads last year.

A few things are more important that safe driving with good eyesight.

We assess their field recess.

They're cutie.

>> Color vision.

>> And we tell them, you know, hey, according the standard you may or may not be legal or safe to operate a motor vehicle.

>> Dr Compton says an added benefit may be catching diseases of the eye like glaucoma before it's too late for treatment to patients far better.

>> If we find it before symptoms appear and then we can prevent vision loss going forward.

We believe that vision is one of the most important factors when being behind the wheel of a car.

>> The Kentucky Optometric Association has advised the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on how to best rollout.

The measure.

>> We go to Europe.

Tom, Trust ophthalmologist or certified vision screener, you can actually have a form feel about where you can skip the screening portion of the driver's vision renewal.

>> You'll need to do that within 12 months of renewing your license.

This is about highway safety and keeping contestants.

>> Now, if you opt for the screening at a driver licensing regional office.

Little only take about a minute to complete with no additional costs or appointments.

If you fail that screening, you'll be referred to a vision specialist for corrective measures before you can get back behind the wheel for Kentucky edition.

I'm Laura Rogers.

Thank you so much, Laura.

Many other states including our neighbors in Indiana, Ohio and Missouri already have mandatory vision screenings to renew a