FRSC provides free eye, blood pressure checks for drivers in Anambra
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra on Wednesday offered free medical services to some drivers in the state to enhance safety of drivers and passengers.
Speaking at the event tagged – ‘Beyond the Road’, Deputy Corps Commander, Mrs Christy Okonkwo, said that the exercise was aimed 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 eye doctor and nurses from our clinic to check the drivers sight and blood pressure.”
She said that all their efforts were focused on ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers.
“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 everyone behind the wheel was medically fit to transport passengers safely to their destinations.
Also speaking, Dr Onyinyechi Umeojiakor, an optometrist, emphasised the importance of the test, highlighting the vital role vision played in safe driving.
“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, ” he said.
According to her, poor vision increases 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,” 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.
