The Federal Road Safety Corps has urged commercial drivers to undergo regular medical examinations, warning that undetected health conditions such as high blood pressure and abnormal blood sugar levels could impair concentration and increase the risk of road crashes.
The Acting Unit Commander of the FRSC RS11.22 Owo Unit Command, CRC Oladele Oyeyemi, gave the warning during a free medical outreach organised for members of the Tipper/Quarry Association and the Block Moulders' Association in Owo, Ondo State.
The exercise, held on July 29, formed part of the Corps' efforts to reduce road traffic crashes by promoting the health and fitness of professional drivers. It featured free blood pressure and blood sugar tests conducted by medical personnel from the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Speaking at the event, Oyeyemi advised drivers to always assess their health before embarking on any journey, stressing that a driver's physical and mental condition is as important as the roadworthiness of the vehicle.
He said drivers should make regular medical check-ups a priority, get adequate rest and avoid driving whenever they are unwell or mentally exhausted.
Medical experts, Pharmacist Ogunjemiyo and Dr. Onome of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, screened participants and offered health counselling based on the outcome of the tests. They also encouraged the beneficiaries to seek prompt medical attention whenever health issues are detected.
The outreach also featured road safety sensitisation, with participants educated on the link between good health, alertness and safe driving, as well as the need to prevent avoidable crashes caused by health-related emergencies.
Chairman of the Tipper/Quarry Association, Alhaji Apenuwa Suleimon, and Chairman of the Block Moulders' Association, Mr. Oladimeji Gani, commended the FRSC for extending its intervention beyond traffic enforcement to include healthcare initiatives for drivers.
They described the programme as timely and beneficial, noting that regular health screening would help improve the wellbeing of drivers and contribute to safer roads across the state.
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