By Omoyeni Ojeifo
About 500 drivers and motorists have undergone free eye screening in Abuja as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) steps up efforts to tackle poor vision as a major road safety risk.
The screening, conducted in collaboration with BATMedics, on Thursday, took place at the Abuja Medical Store, ACMS, beside Jabi Park, as part of a National Driver Health and Road Safety Outreach Programme organised to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, of the FRSC, reaffirmed the Corps’ determination to move road safety from a predominantly enforcement-driven paradigm to one anchored on prevention, early intervention and human wellbeing, through the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Special Duties and External Relations, ACM Ibrahim M. Bazama.
According to him, a mechanically sound vehicle, is only as safe as the person behind the wheel, making clear vision essential to safe driving.
The Corps Marshal explained that a driver must constantly identify road signs, pedestrians, traffic signals, vehicles, obstacles and changing road conditions, often within fractions of a second.
He described the intervention as “not simply a medical exercise, but a critical road safety intervention,” stressing that every driver whose vision is examined, corrected or appropriately treated represents a significant step towards safer roads and the preservation of human lives.
He urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, not to ignore blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye strain or other visual challenges.
According to him, road safety should begin before a crash by identifying and addressing risks that could affect a driver’s ability to drive safely.
“The FRSC mandate remains centred on safe road use through education, persuasion, subtle force and enforcement, guided by the philosophy that the most effective crash is one prevented before it happens.”
He also commended BATMedics for the partnership and called on other organisations to emulate the initiative.
Author
Leave a comment