Medically Impaired Drivers Pose Dallas Car Crash Risk

By Rasansky McKenzie

Many people think that only older drivers are the only ones at risk of causing an accident because of a medical impairment. Our Dallas accident injury attorneys know better. There are many medical conditions that can affect a young person’s ability to drive and increase the risk of contributing to or causing a Dallas car accident.  In fact, any medical condition that affects alertness, judgment, attention, physical coordination, agility, strength, skill, or the knowledge needed to safely operate one’s vehicle can impair driving.
In this article, we list the medical conditions that can affect driving ability at any age.

• Conditions that affect the eyes: Blindness, low vision ranging from 20/50 to 20/200, uncorrected vision, monocular vision (especially if the right eye is blind), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, nystagmus, macular degeneration, and visual field defects.
• Cardiovascular disease: Any heart condition associated with cerebral ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats,
• Stroke: Full or mini strokes (transient ischemic attacks)
• Nervous system diseases: Narcolepsy, sleep apnea
• Respiratory diseases: Chronic obstructive lung disease, respiratory failure
• Metabolic illnesses: Hypothyroidism, diabetes
• Kidney disease: Kidney failure
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Psychiatric disease: Schizophrenia, personality disorder, alcoholism, depression

These conditions don’t always impair driving. Plenty of people can drive safely despite a serious medical condition. However, if you or a loved one is suffering from one of conditions listed, we suggest that you discuss driving safety with a physician.
It is also important to note that certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, especially antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, have the potential to affect driving just as much as illegal drugs.
If you were injured in a Dallas car crash caused by a medically unfit driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. To learn more, download a free copy of Accident Claim Do’s and Don’ts, or contact the Rasansky | McKenzie Law at (214) 651-6100.

About the Author

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