Road safety charity Brake has published an essential guidance report for fleet managers, health & safety and HR professionals, in collaboration with Vision Express
‘Look Sharp! How to keep at-work drivers sharp-eyed and safe on the roads’ is vital reading for all professionals with responsibility for road risk and the health of at-work drivers.
Based on presentations given at a Brake webinar for fleet managers, the report discusses the different aspects of eye health and the risk factors associated with different disorders.
The resource also outlines the simple measures that drivers and fleet managers can take to reduce the risk of poor driver eyesight, including practical advice and guidance about implementing new policies and procedures.
The report is available free of charge to all Brake Professional members through www.brakepro.org. Non-members can order the resource from the Brake shop.
Good eyesight is a basic requirement for safe driving, says Brake’s New Zealand Director Caroline Perry.
“Poor vision increases the risk of collisions by reducing a driver’s ability to recognise and react to a hazard or the behaviour of other road users.
“Yet some drivers fail to get their eyes tested regularly, some going years or even decades without checking their vision is up to scratch.
“This report outlines ways in which employers can address the risk of poor driver eyesight for all at-work drivers and help to keep their employees sharp-eyed and safe on the roads.”
Dangerous activity
Driving on company business is typically the most dangerous activity an employee undertakes on behalf of the business, notes Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson.
“It is estimated that around a third of all road traffic collisions involve someone who is at work, so ensuring these individuals have eyesight that is up to scratch can have a huge impact on improving road safety – and it’s an issue that we urge employers to take seriously.
“The impact – and potential costs – of a workforce with deteriorating vision is significant.”
Brake’s New Zealand division promotes road safety and campaigns against the carnage on New Zealand roads.
It is also fundraising to improve support for families bereaved and injured in road crashes. To support Brake, go to www.brake.org.nz.
Brake was founded in the UK in 1995, and now has domestic operations in the UK and New Zealand and works globally to promote action on road safety.
