Delight Chinedum

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra state on Wednesday offered free medical services to some 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 for safety of both the drivers and passengers targeted at 5percent reduction in road fatalities.

She said, “We’re here for a special outreach tagged “Beyond the Road”. Aside the road, this exercise is to ensure 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 on steering is 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, “We’re running 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.

Responding, Logistics Manager, Rivers Joy Company, Ojeh Alexander and 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.