Visual Function Test among Commercial Drivers in Tarauni Local Government Area Kano State

Clear vision is a critical requirement for safe driving, as it is one of the primary sensory inputs necessary for effective navigation and hazard detection. Drivers with optimal visual capabilities are generally at a lower risk of road traffic accidents (RTAs) compared to those with visual impairments. This study assessed various aspects of visual function including distance and near visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, and peripheral visual fields and their association with the occurrence of RTAs among commercial drivers in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. A total of 250 male commercial drivers, aged between 20 and 65 years and with at least two years of driving experience, were recruited from four major motor parks. Participants underwent both external and internal ocular examinations, and were interviewed using structured questionnaires that explored their experiences with night driving glare, difficulties in reading road signs, history of RTAs, and awareness of vision screening requirements for driver's license issuance. The results revealed that 11.6% of the drivers had a history of RTAs. Good visual acuity was observed in 75% of the participants, while 22.8% reported being significantly affected by glare from oncoming headlights during night driving. Statistically significant differences in visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, and near vision were observed across different age groups. Notably, only 10% of the drivers were aware that vision assessment is part of the driver’s license issuance process. Based on these findings, the study recommends mandatory comprehensive eye examinations for older drivers, particularly those aged 65 and above, to detect and manage age-related ocular changes that could compromise driving safety.