“Truck drivers often cannot afford the cost of visual care, like optometry visits and glasses, and do not report visual problems to their employers for fear of jeopardising their employment,” he continues. “Having a driver with poor vision is as dangerous as using a vehicle with worn brakes or tyres.”
Sieff identifies three factors of particular importance to safe driving:
• Visual acuity, or the ability to see detail clearly, which is important to accurately identify road signs, cyclists, animals and pedestrians and other road users.
• Depth perception, vital to gauging distance when following or passing fellow drivers.
• Night vision, on which truck drivers are regularly dependent, and which tends to deteriorate with age. Healthy night vision enables drivers to recover quickly from the glare of oncoming traffic.
Sieff Optometrists encourages all companies in the transport industry to conduct visual screenings at the workplace at least once annually. Offered at no cost to the employer or the employee, mobile visual screenings can take place on the company premises, meaning that the disruption to workflow is minimal and that employers are assured that their drivers are using their vehicles safely.
“Visual screenings can be set up in canteens, an unused office or an empty boardroom,” says Sieff. “Once the screenings have been completed, the correct visual aids are recommended to the individuals in need, at payment terms that are affordable.”
In addition, Sieff recommends that transport companies remember the following safe driving tips, and train their drivers accordingly:
• If prescription spectacles are recommended, make sure that drivers wear them at all times
• Investigate professionally prescribed sunglasses to protect drivers' eyes from sun glare. They will also protect drivers' eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• Ensure windscreens are always clean and scratch-free, both inside and out.
• Ensure headlight glass is clean, that the bulbs are in good working order and that the lighting system is properly positioned.
• Don't stare at oncoming headlights, as it takes longer to recover from the glare. Train drivers to look a little to the left.
• For safe night driving, remind drivers to reduce speed as the sun sets.
Founded in 2004, Sieff Optometrists offers South Africans mobile visual screening across the country, enabling businesses, factories and corporates to ensure the visual health of their staff. In additional, Sieff Optometrists offers affordable eye care with Optifin Finance, available through the group's network of independent optometrists and Sieff branches. For more information on scheduling mobile visual screening, visit www.sieffoptom.co.za.
