FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT IN DRIVING

Written by a physician and professor of medicine, this article calls attention to the fact that impairment to driving is a more complex phenomenon than is commonly thought, involving both human and environmental aspects, as well as both young and old drivers. The major points are summarized as follows: At less extreme levels of impairment, the reasons for reduced function may often be misdiagnosed as carelessness or similar behavior, presumed to be correctable simply through effort and interest. Data indicate that, as a group, drivers with certain medical conditions do have increased crash risk. Currently, only empirical guides exist to help decide which of these persons may drive without restriction, which only with restriction, and which not at all. Impairment by alcohol commonly involves persons with long-term patterns of alcohol abuse. These individuals may be much more amenable to rehabilitation through knowledgeable medical assistance than most physicians are aware of.

• Corporate Authors:

  Medical Society of the State of New York

  420 Lakeville Road
  Lake Success, NY  United States  11040
• Authors:
  • Waller, J A
• Publication Date: 1980-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 1987-91
• Serial:
  • New York State Journal of Medicine
  • Volume: 80
  • Issue Number: 13
  • Publisher: Medical Society of the State of New York

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcoholism; Decision making; Diseases and medical conditions; Driver licensing; Drunk drivers; Drunk driving; Hazards; Impaired drivers; Physicians; Risk assessment
• Old TRIS Terms: Driver restriction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00367089
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-033 010
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1982 12:00AM