2.3 – Other Limiting Physical Conditions

The following are other physical conditions that could limit a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Fatigue
When you are tired, you are less alert. The body naturally wants to sleep at night and most drivers are less alert at night, especially after midnight. You may not see hazards as soon or react as quickly, so the chance of an accident is greater. If you are sleepy, the only safe action is to get off the road and get some sleep. If you do not, you risk your life and the lives of others sharing the roads with you.

Illness
Depending upon what you are suffering from, illnesses could be a hazard to your safety and the safety of others on the road. It is advisable to consult a doctor as to whether your condition allows you to drive a motor vehicle. The decision of whether it is safe to drive is best left up to a professional doctor.

Do not make a bad judgment in taking the wheel when your responses are slow. Have a friend or loved one drive you to your appointments. Do not take to the road on your own.

Deformities
Consult a professional doctor who specializes in your particular deformity. They are the best judges to whether you possess the capability to operate a motor vehicle. It is very important to disclose any deformity that could affect your driving skills. There are many agencies available that can make modifications to vehicles to allow people with specific deformities drive safely.

Steadiness
Steadiness can be affected by physiological, physical or emotional factors. These factors can result in your inability to safely handle and control the wheel and vehicle. If you are not steady, neither will your vehicle when you are driving on the road. Consider not taking the wheel for your safety and for the safety of others.

Muscular Condition
Certain muscular conditions can keep you from being a safe driver. Depending upon the condition, you may have to have special equipment installed to be able to operate the vehicle safely. Consult with your physician for more details, each case is evaluated individually.

Disqualifying Conditions
Some conditions may keep an applicant from receiving a driver’s license.

  • Each condition should be determined on an individual basis.Depending upon severity of the case or condition,you may or may not be qualified for a license.
  • Consult your physician for details on your particular condition; they will be able to determine whether driving is an option for you.
  • In some instances, if you can compensate for a physical condition, usually by demonstrating safe driving ability during a driving test, a driver license can be issued.
  • Examples of disqualifying conditions:
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Epilepsy
    • Cardiac (heart) problems?
    • Paralysis
    • Mental incapacity
    • Dementia
    • Lapses of consciousness
    • Vision conditions

Affects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 

img_06Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is emitted from the vehicle as it burns gasoline. Never run a vehicle in a sealed or closed up structure such as a garage with the door closed.
A vehicle may have emission problems that may send the poisonous gas into the vehicle as you are driving. It is very important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic on a regular basis.

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