Morris Odell1. 1. Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, and Monash University, Victoria. morriso@vifm.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The requirement for general practitioners to write reports about their patients' fitness to drive will increase as the population ages and licensing criteria change. It is important that GPs understand the medical and legal issues involved in this important area of public health. OBJECTIVE: This is the second of a two part article discussing the guidelines for fitness to drive in Australia and how they are applied to specific medical conditions. DISCUSSION: Visual functioning, psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, acute medical illnesses and chronic disorders, and driving with disabilities are discussed. Information on exceptions from wearing seatbelts and cycle helmets is provided as well as a discussion on disability assessment for privileged parking.
BACKGROUND: The requirement for general practitioners to write reports about their patients' fitness to drive will increase as the population ages and licensing criteria change. It is important that GPs understand the medical and legal issues involved in this important area of public health. OBJECTIVE: This is the second of a two part article discussing the guidelines for fitness to drive in Australia and how they are applied to specific medical conditions. DISCUSSION: Visual functioning, psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, acute medical illnesses and chronic disorders, and driving with disabilities are discussed. Information on exceptions from wearing seatbelts and cycle helmets is provided as well as a discussion on disability assessment for privileged parking.