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Driving with Diabetes: Accident Risks and Precautions

Virginia residents struggling with medical conditions often face a difficult question: is it safe for me to drive? For some drivers health issues can be managed in a way that makes driving safe, however other conditions or complications make driving ill-advised – or downright dangerous.

Many people equate driving with freedom; however driving is also a complex skill that requires sharp reflexes and attention to detail order to stay safe on the road. Unfortunately, the decision whether or not to drive with a medical condition isn’t just about freedom or personal risk. Innocent people like other drivers, their passengers, and other road users can be seriously injured or killed in a crash caused by a medically unfit driver.

Impact of diabetes on safe driving

There are several ways that diabetes can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely. The major issue is blood sugar. If blood sugar levels go too high or too low, side effects can lead to impaired driving. Side effects of improper blood sugar levels include sleepiness or dizziness, mental confusion, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures.

Safe blood sugar levels can be maintained with vigilant diabetes management by an individual, but mistakes can be made. Individuals who are forgetful or otherwise unable to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels (like young people or the elderly) may need to seriously consider whether or not they should drive.

Long-term health effects of diabetes can also impair driving. In the long-run, diabetes can cause nerve damage in the hands and feet, making it difficult to safely control a motor vehicle. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage in the eyes, leading to vision difficulties making driving unwise. Extreme side effects include blindness or amputation which clearly makes safe driving an issue.

Safety considerations for diabetic drivers

Diabetic individuals should consider the following in order to ensure they are driving safely:

• Do not drive if your blood glucose level is too low. Decision making skills and your ability to safely control a vehicle can be impaired.
• Always carry a blood glucose meter and snacks. At the first sign that your blood glucose is off, pull over safely and check your glucose levels.
• If you experience low blood glucose levels while driving, eat food containing a fast-acting sugar. After 15 minutes, test your blood again and do not drive until your blood glucose levels have stabilized.
• If you experience hypoglycemia without warning, it may be unsafe for you to drive at all. Training for glycemic awareness can help you determine when you are entering a state of hypoglycemia.
• Chronic high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) can negatively impair your driving ability. If you have hyperglycemia, discuss the condition with your doctor to determine if it is still safe for you to drive.
• If you suffer from complications from diabetes that make safe driving difficult, see a driving specialist to determine if it is still safe for you to drive.

With proper care and vigilance diabetic drivers can be safe on the road, however individuals must constantly monitor their short-term and long-term health. The safety of other road users depends on careful management of any medical condition.

If you’ve been involved in a serious car or truck accident, please contact the Norfolk office of Weisberg & Zaleski to discuss your case and how we can help.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223

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