The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra Command has offered free medical services to some drivers in the state to enhance safety of drivers and passengers.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the Deputy Corps Commander of the Command, Christy Okonkwo, in her address at the event in Awka, tagged “Beyond the Road”, said the aim is to ascertain the drivers ability to be on the roads so as to reduce road traffic crashes in the state.
Okonkwo said poor vision is major cause of road crashes globally and the corps would ensure that only drivers with excellent vision drive on Anambra roads to avoid unnecessary carnage.
She said that all their efforts were focused on ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers and that the commander was committed to ensuring that everyone behind the wheel was medically fit to transport passengers safely to their destinations.
“We are conducting a special medical outreach to ensure that drivers have proper vision and stable blood pressure.
“We have medical personnel, including eye doctor and nurses from our clinic to check the drivers sight and blood pressure.”
A medical Ophthalmologist, Dr. Onyinyechi Umeojiakor while speaking said 80% of the Visual Acuity test they conducted so far during the flag-off was satisfactory, encouraging them to ensure they embark on regular check.
According to Umeojiakor, poor vision increases the risk of collisions as the driver might not see other vehicles in time.
“We are conducting visual acuity tests to assess the drivers’ ability to see clearly at a distance.
“When a person’s visual acuity is compromised, they cannot operate a vehicle effectively, ”
“Clear eyesight is essential for safe driving. Poor vision often leads to poor driving, which is a major contributor to road accidents. So, commercial and private drivers must ensure their eyes are optimum before driving,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Mr Alexander Ojeh, Logistics Manager at Rivers Joy Company, expressed gratitude to the FRSC for the initiative. He encouraged drivers to make the most of the exercise to ensure their health was in good condition.
Some of the drivers Mr. Benjamin Ogily and Alexander Ojeh revealed that this is the first time they had undertaken eyes and BP tests, assuring to sustain it regularly as the doctor and FRSC have instructed for their benefit, and that of passengers and transportation companies.
