Identifying uncorrected poor vision as a key road safety challenge, Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics, and the Automobile Association (AA), have joined forces to launch a series of initiatives to improve road safety by improving road users’ vision.
During the FIA World Conference, held from 29 April to 3 May 2019 in Sun City, The Automobile Association of South Africa, a member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and Essilor, agreed to a partner in South Africa on a series of awareness-raising campaigns under the banner “Road Safety starts with good vision” The purpose being to make drivers aware that good vision – closely linked to reaction time – is essential for taking the right decisions on the road, making it necessary to check their eyesight regularly with eye care professionals and to protect against glare day and night (sun, lights and public lighting).
“Uncorrected poor vision poses a major risk for the safety of people on the road, and we are delighted to be involved with the AA in promoting better vision for road users and, ultimately, playing a role in making our roads safer,” says Nico Coetzee, Country Manager of Essilor South Africa.
“This is a fantastic project for us to be involved in. Statistics show that 95 percent of all road crashes resulting in fatalities are caused through human error. Vision is one of those factors and we need to deal with it effectively and urgently. Essilor’s aim of improving road safety through improving the vision of road users should be acknowledged as a bold move to increasing road safety in general,” says Mr Sikkie Kajee, chairperson of the AA.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) up to 3500 people die in road crashes worldwide every day. Africa, the least motorised continent has the highest level of traffic related deaths in the world with 26.6 deaths per 100 000 of the population compared to 17.4 deaths per 100 000 elsewhere. The African region is also particularly affected by poor vision. An estimated 497 million people, or 38% of the population, suffer from uncorrected visual defects.
In South Africa, around 135 000 deaths have been recorded on the country’s roads in the last decade and the AA has warned that unless drastic action is taken, this number could remain the same, or even increase, in the next decade.
Faced with this situation, the golden rule announced by the FIA in May 2017, “Check your vision”, is a simple but crucial message, relayed by both the FIA and by the associated local clubs around the world – such as the AA – with Essilor as partner.
“Drivers should have regular check-ups with a suitably qualified and registered eye care professional, which will ensure that any eye conditions are detected and treated early with the necessary prescriptions and corrections. This simple preventative measure could save many lives on our roads and thousands of Rand in the long run for companies and the insurance sector,” concludes Nico Coetzee.
Pictured at the FIA Conference in May at Sun City where the Essilor and AA partnership was sealed are (fltr) Mr David Navarro, Essilor Vice President, Vision and Road Safety Group Plan, Mr Noelan Vandayar, Executive: Strategy, AASA, Mr Nico Coetzee, Essilor Country Manager, South Africa, and Mr Nico Crous, Chief Financial Officer, AASA.
About The Automobile Association of South Africa
The Automobile Association (AA) has been the trusted champion of the South African motorist and traveller for over 85 years. Along with our AA Accredited Sales Agents located countrywide, the AA offers access to over 50 benefits on 1 card as well as other travel and mobility services that extend far beyond 24-hour roadside assistance – from technical and legal advice, to emergency rescue services, roadside security and a mobile app suite. The AA offers specialised apprenticeships to help motor industry players build in-house skill, and short skill courses for individuals.
For more information please visit www.aa.co.za or aasa.mobi, or contact:
Automobile Association of South Africa (AA)
AA Public Affairs
011 799 1126 or 083 386 6954
press@aasa.co.za
About Essilor
Essilor International is the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company. Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its mission is to improve lives by improving sight. To support this mission, Essilor allocates more than €200 million to research and innovation every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Its flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Transitions™, Eyezen™, Xperio®, Foster Grant®, Bolon™ and Costa®. It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals.
For more information, please visit www.essilor.com or www.essilor.co.za
