By Jude Atupulazi
In a bid to reduce road crashes and boost their efficiency, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra has offered free medical services to drivers in the state to also enhance safety of drivers and passengers.
Speaking at an event tagged, ”Beyond the Road”, the Deputy Corps Commander, Mrs Christy Okonkwo, said the exercise was to enhance safety and reduce road fatalities.
She said, ‘We are conducting a special medical outreach to ensure that drivers have proper vision and stable blood pressure. We have medical personnel, including an eye doctor and nurses from our clinic to check the drivers’ sight and blood pressure.
‘Our goal is to achieve a five per cent reduction in road fatalities. This is the first edition, uniquely introduced in Anambra by the Sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander,’ she said.
She said that the Commander was committed to ensuring that every driver was medically fit to transport passengers safely.
Also speaking, Dr Onyinyechi Umeojiakor, an optometrist, emphasised the vital role vision played by safe driving.
Her words, ‘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,’ she said.
According to her, poor vision increased the risk of collisions as the driver might not see other vehicles in time.
‘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,’ Umeojiakor said.
Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Mr Alexander Ojeh of Rivers Joy Company, expressed gratitude to the FRSC for the initiative.
He encouraged drivers to make the most of the exercise to ensure that they are in healthy condition.
