Evaluation of the visual aptitude of public transport drivers on National Roads 6 (Bamako- Ségou) and 30 (Fana- Dioila) in the Reference Health Centre of Fana

Abstract

Summary: In Mali, the increase in the number of road accidents is proportional to the increase in the number of cars in circulation. A study of public transport drivers revealed that 23.1% of the drivers surveyed were unfit to drive out of a sample of 385 drivers. The objective of this study was to assess the visual aptitude for driving of inter-urban public transport drivers on the RN 6 and RN 30 in Fana. Results: The study involved 150 collective transport drivers, the majority of whom were in the 30-39 age group, representing 46.7% (n=70) with extremes of 20 and 68 years, the average age being 35.81±9.66 years. A total of 14.7% (n=22) of the drivers surveyed were unfit to drive and the causes of reduced visual acuity among unfit drivers were cataracts with 36.36% (n=8), followed by optic neuropathies with 22.73% (n=5) and ametropias with 18.19% (n=4). With regard to the relationship between the age of the drivers and visual aptitude for driving, the study revealed that 46.15% (n=6) of the drivers aged over 50 years were unfit. Conclusion: The results of this study show the need to make the ophthalmological examination compulsory when issuing and renewing a driving licence throughout Mali.