If you’re driving around Michigan, the last thing you want is an accident. Health conditions can be a risk not only to a driver but also to the people on the road. Even small changes in someone’s health can have a significant impact.
This concern is much so big that Michigan has physical and vision standards for all drivers. Even then, there are potential conditions that people can have that can betray them at any time. These health issues are so sudden that it can endanger anyone around them.
Dangerous Medical Issues on the Road
Disease happens to people. It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of life. Even then, there are common health issues that are so prevalent that they can happen at any time. If someone you know has these conditions, it’s best to know how to deal with them.
These health conditions are:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders
- Epilepsy
- Age-Related Health Conditions
- Drug and Substance Addiction
- Chronic Vision Disorders
As you can see, many of these are common to many of us. What problems can they pose to drivers?
6 Health Conditions That Can Make Someone a Dangerous Driver
Understanding the potential risk can give you a better read of what’s going on the road. Give it a look.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder. Adults and teens who have this have an issue focusing on a current task at hand. Many people who have this affliction receive challenges that affect their distractibility during a drive.
Years of experience are crucial in people trying to control their ADHD, but they are risks. Adults with ADHD pose a substantial risk of causing accidents on the road. They are more likely to receive tickets, do minor violations, and even driving without a license.
Drivers with ADHD are more prone to issues during low stimulus drives. Long-distance driving and even night driving that proves to be boring can be a problem. How do you resolve this?
The best way to solve it is to remove all distractions and train them to do so. Turn off all cellphones and electronics within reach. Remove any food and drinks too to prevent fidgeting.
- Sleep Disorders
Drowsy driving is a risk to everyone, causing almost 100,000 crashes per year. While some people experience it from general fatigue, some also have sleep disorders.
Different sleep disorders affect many people. The most common of these include narcolepsy, insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea. People with sleep disorders need to take extra precautions.
For starters, it’s best for people with sleep disorders to drive with someone who can take over. Lifestyle changes like proper diet, exercise, and some medication can help people regularize sleep patterns. Some states even consider reducing the privileges of people who have such conditions.
- Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and a hazardous disorder for driving. Seizures can be sudden, and almost anything can be a trigger. Symptoms will include loss of motor control, confusion, and loss of awareness.
If you have epilepsy and want to get a driver’s license, you will receive a special form. These people will have restricted privileges and clauses, which includes driving epilepsy-free for a duration of time.
Getting your driver’s license in Michigan has a special clause. All Michigan drivers should be epilepsy-free for a period of 6 to 12 months.
- Age-Related Conditions
Age-related conditions can become detrimental to a driver, especially if they are chronic conditions. Older drivers are more prone to crashes coming from potential medical emergencies. Over time, the elderly experience physical issues that are unfavorable to driving.
These include:
- Slower reflexes
- Bad coordination
- Sudden pain onset
- Slower reaction time
- Dulled sense of sight and hearing
- Orientation issues
At the same time, some medication can be problematic for the aged due to their side effects. One common problem is the current traffic law system that is confusing for older people.
- Drug and Substance Addiction
Drug and substance addiction are the leading causes of crashes in the United States. People who drive under the influence of either alcohol or drugs have impaired senses. They can be a danger to everyone on the road, and their addiction becomes a detriment to society.
If you know someone who drives under the influence, talk to them about your worries. Discuss with them how you can help and where you can find support. If you think there’s a driver who is driving impaired in Michigan, report it to authorities.
- Chronic Vision Disorders
Chronic vision disorders are a crucial issue. Vista is everything in driving, so a blurred sight is a problem. Diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts can cause fuzzy eyesight.
Drivers with vision disorders can hit pedestrians and other drivers, including bicyclists and motorcycles. Even people who fail to wear their prescription glasses or contacts are a danger to others.
Health Conditions Can Be a Challenge
Health conditions can be a challenge to anyone, and driving with such a problem is limiting. If you or a loved one have any of the above conditions, see the best practices you can do. Education is crucial to managing such problems. If you or a loved one becomes a victim of a driver with such health conditions, talk to a car accident lawyer in Lansing. Find out what are the options available to you.
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