Abstract
The freedom that driving a car gives the individual is a highly regarded privilege, some would say a right. Yet it is an inherently dangerous activity associated with significant mortality and morbidity, leading to 3500 deaths and 40 000 serious injuries from road traffic accidents in the United Kingdom each year. This appears to be acceptable as a reasonable price to pay for the lifestyles and employment practices we choose. Society makes a judgment balancing risk and reward arising from any individual's activity that encroaches on others' lives. This risk analysis leads to legislation—on compulsory ability testing, adherence to the highway code, and medical fitness to drive. (Author/publisher)