With the festive season fast approaching and a surge in traffic volumes across the nation\u2019s roads expected in the coming weeks, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) conducted a health awareness initiative at the Joe Gqabi Bus Terminus in Philippi on Wednesday 2 November. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAF conducted free health checks among long-distance bus and taxi operators. The examinations included eye tests, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also raised some concerns about some bad driver behaviours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Siphamandla Gumbi, RAF\u2019s Senior Manager on Road Safety, said the operation was part of a national awareness campaign conducted by the fund. He stated it is targeting mainly long-distance drivers, of trucks, buses and minibus taxis, and has had similar initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gumbi said the aim is to ensure the drivers are fit before getting behind the wheel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur main objective is to minimise the accidents on the roads,\u201d he shared. \u201cWe have our own mobile clinic that is conducting the tests. According to our studies we found 20% of accidents that occurred on the roads were caused by poor vision, lack of concentration, fatigue and dizzy spells.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Gumbi, RAF has its own optometrists. \u201cWe give those drivers who have eye problems free spectacles. And those who are diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure are referred to local clinics for further examinations, so they can get treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added the fund is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure driver compliance. \u201cWe are also conducting roadblocks together with the law enforcement agencies where we test the drivers and that is where we find most of the truck drivers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gumbi urged long-distance operators to cut down their intake of energy drinks while on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-distance taxi driver Mluleki Fongoma described the initiative as helpful to everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said he is lucky that is still healthy and vowed to maintain his healthy lifestyle. \u201cI drink energy drinks when I drive long distances. There is a perception that they help to prevent drowsiness. We do not know that we are killing ourselves. Even this awareness campaign started at the right time as we are starting festive and people will be going to the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fongoma urged his colleagues to regularly take a break while on the road.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With the festive season fast approaching and a surge in traffic volumes across the nation\u2019s roads expected in the coming weeks, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) conducted a health awareness initiative at the Joe Gqabi Bus Terminus in Philippi on 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