Your health is the most critical factor that decides your safety on the road. There are various conditions that can severely affect your ability to drive. And, of course, the safety of others using roads.
As such, proper diagnosis of your medical fitness and effective notification to the authorities is very important. Failing to do so, may risk your life, and in some states is illegal, as well.
But…
What Are The Medical Standards?
Every time you turn the keys of your car, you are responsible for your safety and of those using the road. The United States Department of motor vehicles has listed down standards for health, vision, and hearing of the drivers. There are various conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or deafness, which, if not met, can lead to the revocation of your driver’s license.
Let us understand…
If There Are Any Notifiable Conditions?
The list for medical conditions that can render you unfit for driving is a long one. Nevertheless, each and every case is considered and evaluated individually. This means, in case if you are suffering from any such medical condition, you might or might not be declared unfit, depending upon other factors; which are compared subjectively.
In most of the cases, any medical condition is diagnosed at the time of license application. In case, you’ve developed a condition after you’ve had your license, you should immediately notify the authorities. This is to ensure that you do not end up risking your life; and of course, to avoid legal issues that entail any such failure. Depending upon your condition, the authorities may decide to:
- Allow you to keep your license and drive without any restrictions.
- Issue you a license for a limited period, under observation.
- Revoke your license.
Some of the conditions which require you to inform the authorities are listed below:
- Epilepsy
- Mental disorders
- Sudden attacks of giddiness or fainting
- Heart disorders
- Misuse of prescription drugs or medical supplements
Most of these conditions are considered as either relevant or prospective disability. And, both of these disabilities are notifiable to the authorities.
Your Visibility Can Affect Your Driving
Every one has to appear for a test to determine eyesight while applying for a driver’s license. The test includes a standard number plate, placed at a certain distance. In order to successfully pass the test, the applicant is required to be able to read it with distinction. Relaxation is offered, allowing the applicants to use correcting lenses if needed.
Nevertheless, you can acquire a vision disorder years after you’ve cleared your driver’s license examination. In such a case, it is best to consult your ophthalmologist to understand, if you are fit for driving safely on road.
If the doctor advised that you should not drive your car, it is in your best interest. Some of the vision-related impairments which can render you helpless and a potential risk for your life and that of others on road include; cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes. As a responsible citizen, informing the authorities about your condition and letting them decide your ability to drive would be a smart move.
How Do You Notify The Traffic Authorities?
Once you have acquired all the necessary documents to support your medical condition, reaching out to the authorities should be your next step. You can easily download your application from the Department of motor vehicles’ website, and submit physically to the registered office in your state. Alternatively, you can apply for a re-examination of your medical condition directly on the website.
Is There Anything To Concern Your Motor Insurance?
Your motor insurance extends way beyond accident and liability claims. To get a complete statement regarding your policy’s validity when rendered unfit for driving, you should consult your insurance provider.
In fact, legal professionals at 1-800-Injured, suggest that while filing your insurance claim, it is always a good idea to have an attorney by your side. They can use their negotiating skills and elevate your chances of receiving maximum compensation for all your losses.
Typically, your insurance company may cover any such conditions, if they are acquired after an accident or an incident involving you. Otherwise, in all the cases at rest, your motor insurance stands void and you may not receive any compensation.
To know your best options, it is advised to consult a lawyer who expertise in such cases. This URL here explains everything about how a lawyer specializing in this domain can be your best helping hand. For example, an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle laws would guide you what are your options. This consultation would be regarding your medical condition, and the steps that you should be taking.
As long as your medical condition states unfit for driving, it is best not to drive. Failing to do so can potentially put many lives at risk. Once, your medical state improves and your doctor states that you are fit for driving, you can reapply for your driver’s license.
