Health and Driving
Page 23
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AN interesting investigation into the health of drivers has been made by the transport department of Stork Margarine, under the wgis of Mr. J. B. Walton, the chief engineer. Twenty doctors—specialists in various subjects— co-operated and tests were carried out over a period 'of 18 months.
It was considered that one driver out of every five would have been disqualified if an effective medical test for a driving licence had been compulsory, but the really important point in connection with the matter is that, of these drivers who were considered unfit, four out of every five could be cured by medical treatment.
In the department in question, drivers undergo a medical examination every five years; in addition, any ill for more than three weeks automatically undergo another examination.
The results of this research are being placed at the disposal of the Ministry of Transport, Scotland Yard and other official bodies, Of all the drivers examined, 21.98 per cent. were found to be unfit for the following reasons:— Defective eyesight, 14.22 per cent.; specific complaints, 6.04 per cent.; general health, 1.72 per cent. In no case was any unfit man dismissed. Men considered unsuitable as drivers through some disability, have been placed in other jobs. In one group of 232 men on whom specially detailed tests were conducted, 51 were found to be unfit, 33 of these were suffering from eye trouble (including colour-blindness), whilst two had valvular disease of the heart and were liable to die at the wheel; hut of the total 40 were cured.
Colour-blindness was found to be one of the most troublesome ailments, as, being uncertain of themselves, the sufferers make a habit of clinging behind other vehicles at traffic lights to see what the preceding drivers will do, with the result that they tend to increase traffic congestion.
Further tests are to be carried out into what is known as tunnel-blindness. People suffering from this can usually see perfectly clearly—even above the average—but only straight in front of them, so that, for example, a pedestrian cannot be seen stepping off the pavement.
It is interesting to note that medical tests for drivers are either compulsory or the subject of immediate legislation in practically every country on the Continent. We do not wish to see further restrictions placed upon drivers, but there certainly must be some at the wheel who would be better away from it, and there are plenty of fit men to take their places. This may appear hard on the individuals concerned, but safety must be the first consideration.