\i know of a person who has had a lucky escape whilst driving with a passenger who stopped the car with no injury to anyone due to an epilectic fit. They are still driving !- the police were called - but can anyone tell me who reports this ?it seems the responsibility is with the epileptic to report this, but if they choose not to, this seems so bad.
2006-08-23 07:57:14 · 29 answers · asked by patricia bstarstruck 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Hi, I am epileptic and I can tell you about what happens in the UK when this sort of thing happens.
If it was his first fit his car insurance would have still been valid whilst driving.
If he had previously fitted then it is his resposibility to inform DVLA (Driving Vehicle Licencing Authority) upon his first fit. He also needs to inform any insurance company he uses.
After a fit, you CAN NOT drive for one year, after which DVLA check with your doctor (you have to ask them to do this) and then the licence is re-issued.
If he does not inform DVLA and his insurance company then he is driving uninsured which can incurr time in jail if he continues to do this.
Remind him that there are very effective treatments from his doctor, I have been fit free for years now, I have had no side effects and although my confidence took a knock when I had my first fit I now feel fine and am driving again. Epilepsy is not the social stigmata it used to be.
Tell your freind I wish him well. If he has any questions then e-mail me through my yahoo account.
2006-08-23 08:18:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spent 23 years living with an epileptic and was told an epileptic is not supposed to drive really, the person who takes the fits is supposed to inform the driving license authority.The only exceptions are: an epileptic that only takes fits in their sleep and an epileptic who has not taken a fit in the past 5 years. For insurance purposes it could mean the company will not pay out. The police could report it, the doctor may inform the authority if he thought his patient was driving.Anyone could report it..it isnt a very responsible the thing to do, they could kill themselves and others.
2006-08-23 08:49:43 · answer #2 · answered by keechee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in the UK the full detail of the law is at the link below. In brief...
If they are new drivers, there must be a period of 1 year from the time of their last seizure and are deemed (by a doctor?) safe to drive.
If they are already driving, they must contact the DVLA immediately and they will be exempt from driving for 1 year or 10 years if an HGV/PSV driver.
A secondary note is the licence AND INSURANCE become null and void and if the seizure results in an accident the insurance would be invalid, so not only could they be responsible for a death or permenent injury there would be no way to get compensation for the injured parties.
If you know someone like this it is important they stop either by their choice or by someone reporting them... do not feel guilty about this, you may be saving their life and that of someone elses... it's too late when it happens.......
Do the right thing.
Graham
2006-08-23 08:14:00 · answer #3 · answered by the truth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had various fits, not whilst driving though. The law states that you have to be fit free for one year, it is up to the individual to report it to the DVLA, you will also have your licence put on a three yearly renewal. If you would like to go on and drive a Bus etc, you will have to be fit free for 10 years. Hope this helps. All the best. Glad everyone feels that some people need a chance to get on despite a medical condition which is no fault of their own...NOT
2006-08-23 08:08:03 · answer #4 · answered by codge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the currant situation is that they should not drive if they they have daytime fits. For some reason I understand nighttime fits are exempt from this ruling. If they have been free from daytime fits for two years I think they are allowed to drive. As for reporting any incidences of fitting. Ideally the Epileptic themselves should notify The DVLA. However, if they don't and someone else does I think they would investigate the situation.
2006-08-23 08:24:57 · answer #5 · answered by Mary M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the police cant really do much about it.
You are supposed to tell your Insurance Company about your epilepsy, and most wont insure you if you have had either a grand mar or a petite mar fit in the last 3 years.
If they have a crash and they havent been honest with thier insurance company, then the insurers wont pay out.
Its really not a police matter (unless they are driving without insurance) and im pretty sure its all down the person who has epilepsy.
Seems silly to me that they would want to put other people lives at risk.
2006-08-24 03:16:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the regulations state you want to were loose from epileptic attack for one 3 hundred and sixty 5 days. An epileptic attack features a minor one besides as such warning signs as limb jerking, auras or absences and need no longer unavoidably comprise lack of information. in case you may not meet those circumstances, you would possibly want to qualify if you're able to prepare a trend of attacks for a minimum of three years which take position basically once you're asleep.
2016-11-27 01:01:58 · answer #7 · answered by dalhaus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK a driver must report to the DVLA ANY medical condition that can affect the drivers ability to drive. This applies to the epileptic (they can re-apply for or make their first application for their driving licence if the have been free from fits for 3 years minimum). You are required to relinquish your licence if a doctor tells you that you must not drive.
If you fail to do so you commit a criminal offence.
2006-08-23 08:13:08 · answer #8 · answered by tunisianboy46 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure that you not allowed to drive for 5 years after having a fit ,but it is down to the individual to report it
2006-08-23 08:04:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe they allow an epileptic to have a drivers license. Call DMV and ask, then report them to the state police. You could save your own life some day!
2006-08-23 08:03:56 · answer #10 · answered by MadMaxx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋