Nagpur: An alarming revelation has surfaced following a medical and eye check-up camp organized by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Nagpur. Startlingly, a staggering 90% of private vehicle drivers who attended the camp were diagnosed with myopia, a condition characterized by nearsightedness.
As part of a concerted effort to enhance road safety on the Samruddhi Expressway, the State Government initiated a campaign that required RTOs to conduct comprehensive medical and eye examinations for drivers of private vehicles. The camp held at RTO Nagpur on Sunday witnessed the participation of 150 drivers. Out of this group, over 50 individuals were provided with eyeglasses on the spot. The remaining drivers, also diagnosed with myopia, will receive their prescribed eyewear in the coming days.
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Tuesday 28 Jan. 2025
The success of this drive owes much to the significant contribution of Madhav Eye Bank, which played a pivotal role in facilitating the examinations and providing necessary eyewear. However, the implications of this revelation extend beyond the immediate distribution of eyeglasses. The prevalence of myopia among such a substantial portion of drivers raises serious concerns about road safety.
Drivers afflicted with myopia may experience challenges in accurately sighting distant objects, potentially leading to delayed recognition of critical road signs until they are mere feet away. This impairment can significantly compromise a driver’s ability to anticipate and respond to changing road conditions promptly.
Moreover, the broader issue of health conditions among drivers has come to the forefront. Drivers grappling with hypertension, diabetes, or alcohol addiction could face difficulties handling fatigue during extended journeys. Such compromised health conditions might amplify the risk of accidents and endanger the lives of passengers and other road users.
Doctors at the camp prescribed medicines and gave tips to drivers about change in lifestyle. Amravati RTO Rajabhau Gite, with additional charge of Nagpur, Dy RTO Ravindra Bhuyar and Assistant RTO Dake guided the activity. Motor Vehicle Inspectors Monika Rathod, Archana Ghanegaonkar, Snehal Parashar, Dhwaj Dakhane,Yash Waghmare, Chandrakirti Tiple, Gaurav Telrandhe, Amit Kalore, Tejas Sakhdev, Amit Thaokar and others also extended their support.
Demand for camps at check-posts too
The drivers and other commuters have demanded RTO to conduct medical and eye check up camps at various check-posts too. Many drivers may not be able to visit the RTO office to attend such camps while many avoid getting themselves checked. Check posts witness heavy traffic movement. If such camps are conducted at check-posts majority drivers would be benefited. This will also help to reduce road accidents.
