Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Chronic diseases do not automatically prevent individuals from driving, but certain medical conditions can affect concentration, vision, reaction times and physical control, potentially putting drivers and other road users at risk, according to medical specialists.
According to Dr Tomador Tageldin, an internal medicine specialist at Burjeel Medical Center in Al Shamkha, a number of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and neurological conditions, can affect a person's capacity to drive safely.
She noted that the primary concern is whether a medical condition could cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, confusion, blurred vision or loss of consciousness when operating a vehicle.
"Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean a person cannot drive," she stated, emphasising that a person's ability to drive depends in large part on their stability of health, how well they respond to treatment, and how frequently they are monitored by a doctor.
A broader range of illnesses, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, prior strokes, cardiac arrhythmias, and uncontrolled heart failure, can impair driving ability, according to Dr Baiju Faizal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Lifecare Hospital in Musaffah.
He also highlighted musculoskeletal issues like severe arthritis, joint pain, and paralysis that can impair a driver's ability to control the steering wheel and pedals, as well as visual impairments brought on by cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions.
Dr Faizal added that some drugs, such as opioids, sedatives, and some psychiatric therapies, may also have an impact on reaction times and alertness.
Discussing the effects of particular chronic diseases, he said that patients with heart conditions may experience dizziness, fainting, or sudden loss of consciousness.
Meanwhile, hypoglycemia in people with diabetics can result in disorientation, reduced concentration, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.
People with epilepsy may lose control of their car and cause an accident if they experience a seizure while driving.
Dr Faizal said that when conducting medical assessments, physicians typically consult recognised medical fitness-to-drive guidelines, such as those issued by the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which set distinct standards for private and commercial drivers.
Assessments typically consider the severity and stability of the condition, physical and mental abilities, vision, medication side effects and the likelihood of sudden medical episodes.
Both experts emphasised that individuals with well-managed chronic illnesses can continue driving following an appropriate medical assessment.
