Vision of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers and road traffic accidents in Nairobi city

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the vision of PSV drivers operating in Nairobi city and to establish whether poor sight is associated with the occurrence of motor vehicle accidents. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Nairobi city bus and matatu (small vans and minibuses) terminuses. Subjects: 539 randomly selected PSV drivers. Results: Sixty eight percent of the drivers did not have their sight checked during driving test. Drivers with inadequate vision were more frequently involved in accidents than those with adequate vision but difference was not statistically significant (p=0.76). Drivers with cataracts were 3 times more likely to be involved in accidents than those without (p=0.007). Conclusions: Majority of PSV drivers do not undergo visual acuity testing before acquiring driving licenses. Recommendation: Visual acuity testing should be made mandatory when applying for and renewing driving licenses.