Although pre-existing ill health is probably not a major contributor to road accidents, the impairment derived from health and medical impairments is likely to increase road safety risk. Awareness of increased risk may well lead to appropriate compensation for this type of impairment, but when the risk becomes unacceptable issues surrounding the entitlement to hold a driving licence arise. Evidence is needed to support action across the complete spectrum of road safety risks, from marginally increased risk needing road safety advice to significant risk leading to driving licence suspension. The Medical and Health-related impairment program of research aims to improve the quality of evidence underlying both licensing decisions and medical advice to ensure that risks to road safety are minimised while drivers are not unnecessarily restricted. (Author/publisher)
Abstract