Driver License Medical Advisory Board
Your Health and Driving
Functional Ability Evaluation Medical Report
Emotional state and driving safety
Hints of unstable emotional state
Effects of alcohol/drugs
Identity Theft
SPECIAL SUBJECTS AND INTERESTS FOR DRIVERS
Physical Health Problems and Driving Safety
What provision did the Utah State Legislature made in 1979 to increase highway safety?
The law states that individuals are personally responsible to be sure they are in reasonably good health when they drive
If a person has a health condition which may affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle, they are responsible to report it to the Driver License Division and are expected to seek competent medical evaluation and advice.
Their physicians are responsible to advise them about their health as it relates to driving safety.
A physician does not have authority to restrict anyone’s driving, but is responsible to report accurately about a patient’s health status.
This report may permit an unlimited license, one with restrictions or, in some cases, a denial of a license for safety reasons.
What is the duty of the Driver License Medical Advisory Board?
The Utah Legislature set up the advisory board to advise physicians and the Driver License Division
The board emphasizes functional ability to operate a vehicle safely, rather stressing impairments.
It develop a form “Functional Ability Evaluation Medical Report” to help physicians advise their patients and simplify reporting
What are the twelve possible health concerns that may affect one’s ability to drive?
A – Diabetes and Metabolic Condition
B - Cardiovascular (Heart)
C – Pulmonary (Lung)
D – Neurological (Nervous System)
E – Epilepsy (Episodic conditions)
F – Learning memory
G – Psychiatric or Emotional condition
H – Alcohol and Other Drugs
I – Vision
J – Musculoskeletal/Chronic Debility
K – Alertness or Sleep Disorders
L – Hearing and Balance
Why are driver license applicants asked to answer health-related questions?
To see if there is a health concern, if there is any
They will be given a Functional Ability Evaluation form to take to their health care provider, who will complete a Functional Ability Profile
How does our emotional state affect our driving?
Mental and emotional conditions are just as important as physical health concerns.
If your mind is not on your driving, you are probably not driving safely.
What are the possible hints of unstable emotional state?
Finding that you are always mad at other drivers and sometimes try to “get even”
Having a tendency to be excessively confused or frustrated when traffic becomes heavy
Being so depressed and worried about things that your attention is not always on the road
Finding that you are frequently getting traffic tickets
Having trouble adjusting to an emotional shock such as the loss of a loved one.
What should you do when you are angry or excited, before driving?
Give yourself time to cool off
Take a walk or talk to a friend
Do anything, but stay off the road until you have cooled down
What should you do if you are worried about something?
Do something that will allow you to concentrate on your driving
Listen to the radio or sing to yourself
What do you do if you’re the impatient kind?
Give yourself extra time, leave a few minutes early
That way you will not feel the need to speed, beat traffic signals
Or do other things that can get you a traffic ticket or cause a crash
DRIVING AND USING ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
What are the effects of alcohol/drugs on one’s ability to drive?
Driving after even one drink is asking for trouble.
The bottom line is that when you drive after drinking, you are driving with impairment.
How long does it take alcohol to reach your brain?
Twenty (20) to
forty (40) minutes
What parts of your brain does alcohol controls
Judgment
Motor skills
The more alcohol you drink the more difficulty you have in doing what?
Judging distances
Speeds and movement of other vehicles
You will have difficulty controlling your own car
How does over the counter drugs may affect one’s driving?
Most of the drugs for headaches, colds, hay fever, allergies or nerves can make you sleepy and affect your control of the vehicle
Be sure you know how any drugs or medication you take may affect your driving and ability to operate a vehicle safely on our highways
List about six facts about drinking and the use of drugs that can affect your ability to drive
If your blood or breath alcohol concentration level is .08 grams, you are legally intoxicated, and you are six times more likely to have a crash.
Almost half of the crashes in which people are killed nationally involve drinking. There are more than 16,000 of these crashes each year
The average person is likely to be legally intoxicated after consuming three mixed drinks, three glasses of wine, or three cans of beer in one hour, and will stay drunk by having only one additional drink every hour
Drugs and alcohol should not be taken at the same time. Alcohol can have an unpredictable effect on drugs, which in turn, will react much differently in you
If any officer requests you to take a test to see if you have alcohol or drugs in your system (including prescription medication) and you refuse to be tested, your license may be revoked for 18 months for the first offense.
36 months for the second or subsequent offense.
If you are under the age of 21, your license will be revoked for either 18 months for a first offense
36 months for a second offense; or until you reach the age of 21, whichever is longer.
Studies show that people who use marijuana
Make more driving mistakes
Are arrested for more traffic violations
Are more likely to be bothered by headlight glare
What is the Utah law concerning Identify theft?
Utah law states a person is guilty of identity fraud when that person knowingly or intentionally
Obtains personal identifying information of another person and users , or attempts to use, that information with fraudulent intent
Including obtaining, or attempting to obtain, credit, goods, services,
Any other thing of value, or medical information
What is the penalty for identity theft?
Identity theft is a felony
What is the Driver License Division doing about identity theft?
Train its employees to identify fraudulent documents
Use technology to safeguard the documents issued by the division
Cooperates fully with all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting cases of identity fraud
What can you do to protect yourself against identity theft?
Keep your personal identification documents such as birth certificates, social security card, and marriage certificates in a secure location.
Carry with you only the information and bankcards that you need
Guard your mail and trash from theft
Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact or are sure you know with whom you are dealing with.
Before giving out any personal information ask how that information will be used and secured.
Annually review your credit report and closely examine all your financial statements.