Medical conditions can make driving extremely dangerous

Alcohol and substance use are not the only factors that can severely affect your ability to drive. Taking prescription medications, and having a medical condition, can have the same or even more severe effects when driving. Your ability to drive can be affected temporarily or permanently, and it’s imperative to discuss with your doctor how fit you are before you get behind the wheel.

Some of the functions that can be affected by different medical conditions include vision failure, concentration problems, coordination problems, reduced reaction times, lack of muscle control, pain, and drowsiness, among others.

Older people are not the only ones affected by health situations and medical conditions; young people can also suffer from conditions that affect their driving ability. 

Here are some of the medical conditions that make driving extremely dangerous:

– Dementia. There are different types of dementia that can be caused by different factors. People with dementia suffer from memory problems, confusion, and poor concentration, making them dangerous on the roads. People with dementia should not drive for their own safety and the safety of other drivers.

– Epilepsy. Epilepsy affects neurological functions and causes sudden seizures that can cause a person to lose complete control of a car and/or lose consciousness. This medical condition can be controlled with medication. However, it is generally recommended that a person with epilepsy does not drive for at least a year when starting medical treatment and until the seizures subside.

– Neurological diseases. These diseases include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, and other nervous system diseases. If you or a loved one has any of these conditions, talk to your doctor about the risks you may have while driving.

– Cataract. A cataract causes the lens of the eye – which is normally clear – to become cloudy, affecting their vision and, therefore, their ability to drive. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes.

It is crucial to take some precautions if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive. We recommend notifying the DVLA, your insurance company, and your doctor so that you know if you are fit to drive. Notifying them will let you know if you can obtain a permit and if, in case of an accident, your insurance will indeed cover you.