Driving vehicles is sometimes required in both getting to and from work or as a requirement of work such as driving trucks, cars, forklifts, stackers or earthmoving machinery.
Drivers with vision impairment or deterioration may have impaired reaction times, perceive traffic situations differently or maybe not see hazards such as other vehicles on the road. Challenging driving conditions such as bad weather, night time driving or road works can also pose extra danger for drivers with vision impairment.
A vision assessment may be required to ensure the safety of the employee, colleagues, other road users or to prevent damage to equipment or vehicles. (Willson, D. (no date specified); Roads and Traffic Authority NSW 2007)
Workplace solutions and adjustments
If person has an existing visual impairment or is experiencing deterioration in vision, an assessment by a vision or sight specialist such as an optometrist may be beneficial. The assessor can make recommendations as to whether sufficient vision exists for driving and what aids or modifications may be required for improved safety when driving.
Driving assessments can be completed by an occupational therapist to determine the driving needs and supports for people with disability.
Car or vehicle modifications can sometimes be undertaken to enable a person with disability to independently drive or operate a vehicle – these modifications may be as simple as installing audible warning alerts:
If glare is a problem when driving the following can be considered:
Other considerations may include ensuring both sunglasses and the windscreen are clean, and when driving at night, avoid looking directly into oncoming lights.
In some situations where an individual with a disability requires vehicle modifications that enable them to carry out their work, they may be eligible to apply for funding assistance for these modifications through the Workplace Modifications Scheme.
(Centrelink 2007; Spinal Cord Injuries Australia 2005; OT Australia 2007; Willson, D. (no date specified)
Other job requirements or solutions
References
Centrelink 2007, Mobility Allowance, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Canberra, viewed 31 August 2007,
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/ea3b9a1335df87bcca2569890008040e/2f0dacf5ccdc08d1ca25727b00787142!OpenDocument
OT Australia 2007 , OT and Independent Living, Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, Fitzroy, viewed 31 August 2007,
http://www.ausot.com.au/inner.asp?relid=7&pageid=134
Roads and Traffic Authority (NSW) 2007, Health and medicals, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 26 October 2007,
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/healthmedicals/index.html