The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has referred scores of long-distance drivers in the North West and those who transport a significant number of commuters to hospitals and clinics for the treatment of various ailments that may affect their ability to drive safely.
RAF has been participating in a week-long mobile bus and driver health programme in Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp and already 32% of truck drivers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers have been given referral letters.
Officials from the RAF said they found 5% of the drivers they encountered visually impaired and were provided spectacles. Also, they said, statistics show that commercial truck drivers and public transport drivers pose a greater risk and are prone to mass accidents and that is becoming a huge liability for the RAF.
RAF ‘s road safety manager Thabo Makwela said the programme is to reduce or prevent accidents that can be caused by drivers’ poor vision and to prevent accidents that can be caused by hidden illnesses that drivers might have but not know about.
“The wellness bus has the necessary equipment to test vitals like high blood pressure, diabetes, eyesight and other commobilities. The mobile clinic has a dispensing nurse and an optometrist to prescribe driving glasses on the spot at no cost to the beneficiaries.
“So far 52 truck drivers were tested on the first day. Yesterday 102 truck drivers were tested and we also tested 82 taxi drivers. The numbers are good. We see more and more taxi operators looking for this service. In Klerksdorp two people already received spectacles,” he said.
The driver and owner of a long-distance taxi service from Johannesburg, Rustenburg, and Klerksdorp Kgotso Moseki admitted that with his poor vision, he had trouble reading road signs.
“I’m not horrible; it’s just that sometimes my reading is sluggish and I can’t make out anything written,” he said.
Mpho Letsholo said although he has never been in a motor accident, having RAF take part in a wellness program will benefit drivers and commuters.
“All of my taxis are insured, and the insurance also covers the people I transport in case of an accident. I drive securely knowing that passengers will be reimbursed in an accident, but I have been ignoring the issue of my health and how it might contribute to accidents,” he added.
Lucas Megalane said due to his poor vision, he is unable to drive at night or on days when it is raining. “I have vision difficulties, which make it difficult for me to read even traffic signs at a distance, so I’m glad RAF is assisting me,” he added.
