FRSC Offers Free Eye, BP Tests to Drivers in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra state on Wednesday offered free medical services to drivers in the state.

The medical outreach tagged, “Beyond the Road” included eye tests and blood pressure.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Corps Commander, Christy Okonkwo said the exercise was to ensure sights and blood pressure of drivers were in good condition while carrying out their duty.

She said, “We’re here for a special outreach tagged “Beyond the Road”. Aside the road, we’re carrying out this exercise to ensure the sight of the drivers are correct as well as their blood pressure.

“We have medical personnel, including eye doctor and nurses from our clinic to check the drivers BP.

“Everything we’re doing is for the safety of both the drivers and passengers. We’re targeting 5% reduction in road fatalities.

“This is the first edition and peculiar to Anambra as initiated by Sector Commander, Joyce Alexander who wants everyone handling steering to be fit to convey passengers safely to their destinations.

“It will be a quarterly activity at different parks so that all drivers will enjoy the benefits.”

The medical doctor in charge, Dr Onyinyechi Umeojiakor, an optometrist, described the test as important in view of the critical role of vision in driving.

He said, “The test we’re running is visual acuity test. It’s used to check the distance vision of a patient, in this case drivers.

“If one’s visual acuity is reduced, he can’t operate a vehicle effectively. If he can’t see clearly he can ram into the any car.

“Good vision assures safe driving. If the eye is poor, then driving is poor which is the major causes of road accidents.

“Both commercial and private drivers must ensure their eyes are optimum before driving.

“If I’m to score those I’ve checked so far, it’s 80% because most of them have good vision. Only a handful have issues in one of their eyes.

“I advise those with issues to go for medical examination and eye check so that such cases can be corrected.

“For those who need eyeglasses, they should acquire one. Eyeglasses are not taboo. A driver might need glasses for clearer vision and for safe driving. That’s best decision to take.”

Responding, Logistics Manager, Rivers Joy Company, Ojeh Alexander described the exercise as a welcome development, saying the company might consider including eye checks as prerequisites for engagement.

He expressed optimism that the checks would go a long way in ensuring drivers with right vision were behind the wheels to reduce crashes on the road.

“A driver that has eye problem is a danger waiting to happen. This exercise is a welcome development and we will want it sustained,” he stated.

Also speaking, Manager, Royal Mass Transit, Benjamin Ogili, appreciated FRSC for the gesture, urging his members to take advantage of the exercise to ensure their health status was intact.

He also called for aggressive sensitization of the exercise to ensure availability of more drivers in subsequent editions.