Driving changes

[imtrying]

Not sure if people saw this on Diabetes UK newsletter - http://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us...and+diabetes+on+BBC+Radio+4's+Today+programme

I wondered if someone could tell me what the latest is?? (sorry if the thread needs to be moved).

I was told by the diabetes team on my course last week that if I'm found to be under 5.5mmols whilst driving and cause/have a crash, I'll be banned from driving indefinitely.

Seems a tad unfair as someone can choose to get drunk, drive and then KILL someone, yet they still get their licence back.

Have I understood this right?

 

[novorapidboi26]

I dont think that there is ever a risk of losing your license forever..............

Whatever is decided, then the removal of license will be temporary pending re assessment I would believe...........

This is news to me though.......

 

[Robster65]

Hi katie.

They're being a bit over dramatic in what they're telling you. The latest EU changes are a bit draconian but not quite as bad as they've led you to believe.

This is a thread about it. Scroll down for the non-Daily Mail version.

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=20117

Rob

 

[imtrying]

ah thanks Rob. The messages I've had and seen are so confusing.

I told the team bloods above 5.0mmols were ok - they told me no, by DVLA standards they should be above 5.5mmols. Am I safe to assume 5.0 is ok? (I know there's not much difference, but wasted lots of time this week testing before I leave work to drive and being 5.1 or 5.4 and having to wait until over 5.5 until I could drive!)

And we're ok with our licences unless we declare that we have had more than 2 disabling hypos where we've needed help from a 3rd party? Is that right?

Sorry for all the questions! Just as I drive at least twice every day, and my job depends on my licence, I really want to avoid any risks.

Thanks.

 

[Vicsetter]

As a T1, presumably on insulin, you should know the rules on driving and they haven't changed significantly. You should take action if you drop below 5 and you should hand your keys to someone else if you are below 4. You should test before driving and every 2 hours whilst driving. You should have reported your insulin status to the DVLA and should be on a restricted licence already.
If you have an accident , you may lose your licence until it is reviewed. If you have a hypo whilst driving and need assistance (e.g. paramedic) then you will probably lose it as well.
Other medical conditions (like epilepsy) have similar restrictions. I would think we all agree that it is somewhat unfair, but there is nothing stopping you from getting drunk and killing whoever you like. You will probably lose your licence then as well!

 

[Vicsetter]

Taken from the DVLA website:

A Guide to Insulin Treated Diabetes and Driving
Carry your glucose meter and blood glucose strips with you and check your blood glucose before driving
(even on short journeys). On long journeys, you should test regularly (every 2 hours).
? In each case if your blood glucose is 5.0mmol/l or less, take a snack before driving. If lt is less than
4.0mmol/l or you feel hypoglycaemic, do not drive.
? If hypoglycaemia develops while driving, stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location, switch off the
engine, remove the keys from the ignition and move from the driver?s seat.
? Do not resume driving until 45 minutes after blood glucose has returned to normal. It takes up to 45 minutes
for the brain to recover fully.
? Always keep an emergency supply of fast-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets or sweets within easy
reach in the vehicle.
? Carry personal identification indicating that you have diabetes in case of injury in a road traffic accident.
? Particular care should be taken during changes of insulin regimens, changes of lifestyle, exercise, travel and
pregnancy.
? Take regular meals, snacks and rest periods on long journeys. Always avoid alcohol.​