Your eyes and safety tips for easier driving

Driver fitness is a very important part of safe behavior on the road. Amongst the concept of driver fitness we include requirements not only of being sober and well rested, but also the ability to have a clear vision of the road and other road users!

The Arrive Alive Road Safety Website has provided the following tips for motorists before they embark on their travels:

 If you have been prescribed spectacles for driving, wear them.
 Do not drive with new contact lenses. Only once you have adapted to your new contact lenses , wear them.
 Protect your eyes from daylight glare and harmful ultraviolet radiation by wearing tinted spectacles. Talk to your Optometrists about your options.
 Whilst driving at night, do not look into oncoming headlights. Rather look a little to the left in front of you. Night vision deteriorates with age, and drivers with reduced vision must exercise caution and wear their spectacles. Daylight vision problems are worse at night.
 When driving at high speeds for long periods of time, the deep concentration and narrower field of vision can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Change your focus intermittently to different objects in front of you. Also keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, as high speeds may effect your depth perception.
 Keep front and back windscreens clean and scratch free.
 Make sure that your head and tail lights are clean, and ensure that the light bulbs are working and positioned correctly.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the necessary visual skills and requirements to be a safe driver on the roads. And most importantly have your eyes examined once a year by a trusted Optometrist.

Take a moment to give life

Have you ever thought that you or one of your family members might need a blood transfusion? Just imagine if South Africa runs out of blood supply simply because of a shortage of blood donors – the situation will be disastrous.

It’s common knowledge that during this period of the year (Easter) there is gridlock on our roads. Motorists are rushing to their holiday destinations, and this may result in the increase in vehicle accidents.

South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urges you to join our family of blood donors. A unit of blood makes a difference in one’s life.

To become a blood donor, you should be:

• Between the ages of 16 and 65;
• Weigh 50kg or more; and
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.

Who needs blood transfusions?

• Children suffering from cancer;
• People undergoing scheduled operations, e.g. back operations, hip replacements, etc.
• Women undergoing childbirth;
• Newborn babies; and
• People involved in motor vehicle accidents;
• Patients suffering from Leukemia; and
• HIV / AIDS patients.

To join our family of blood donors please contact SANBS at: 0800 11 9031.

You can even donate whilst on holiday!

The Arrive Alive Website and this Blog would like to encourage all South Africans to donate before this Easter!