Research
Visual Health Status and its Relationship with Road Traffic Accidents Amongst Nigerian Vehicle Drivers: a Publication of the Nigerian Optometric Association
The aim of this study was to determine the functional vision status of drivers in Nigeria and to establish its relationship with road traffic accidents (RTAs).
The study sample size is 3521 vehicle drivers. Twenty-seven states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja participated in the study.
The mean age of the drivers was 46.3 ± 10.9 years. Of the 3500 participants, 3080 (88%) were men and 2780 (79.4%) had a driving licence.
The percentage of drivers who underwent an eye test before being issued a licence was generally low (median, 43.5%).
A history of RTA was reported by 8.3% of the drivers. The prevalence of visual impairment was observed amongst 7.5% of drivers (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6% – 8.5%), whilst the prevalence amongst private drivers was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.6% – 7.9%).
Drivers with visual impairment were nearly two times (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.06–2.77) more likely to be involved in RTA compared to those without impairment.
This survey has demonstrated the relationship between poor vision and the occurrence of RTA. All stakeholders must work together to ensure the safety of lives and property on our roads.