Insurance coverage for driving with physical limitationsGenerally, the Driving License Ordinance (FeV) specifies who may drive a vehicle, when and under what conditions. Paragraph 2 regulates the suitability for driving motor vehicles: "Anyone who is unable to drive safely as a result of physical or mental impairments may only participate in traffic if precautions have been taken to ensure that they do not endanger others."The appendices 4 and 5 of the FeV describe individual (chronic illnesses and/or impairments and determine whether one thereby a vehicle restricted and/or. May or may not be carried out under certain conditions. In the case of cardiac arrhythmia with seizure-like clouding of consciousness or unconsciousness, for example, the rule is a clear no.
However, according to § 2 of the driving license ordinance, drivers have a high level of personal responsibility with regard to their current state of health even without specific illnesses: anyone who feels unable to drive a vehicle due to a health impairment must leave it at the wheel. This is especially true if the disease is treated with medication. As a general rule, drivers with a medical condition should always follow the advice of their treating physician and not get behind the wheel again until the medical professional no longer has concerns. If a patient acts against the advice of a doctor and causes an accident, this is considered gross negligence. The insurance company can then refuse to settle the claim in case of doubt. Annexes 4 and 5 of the Driving License Ordinance and the "Assessment Guidelines for Fitness to Drive" – published by the Federal Highway Research Institute – are the basis for doctors to assess fitness to drive.
What do I have to consider as a driver of a car with diabetes?
In the case of diabetes, severe fluctuations in blood glucose levels can have serious consequences. The hypoglycemia often initially leads to sweating. As a result, up to visual disturbances or even coma. For a long time, professional drivers were therefore faced with the prospect of losing their jobs if they were diagnosed with diabetes. Today, diabetes can generally be managed well with consistent medical treatment, provided that patients are set to the correct blood glucose levels. In addition to medical monitoring with regular check-ups, patient training is necessary, as this is the only way to ensure sufficiently safe handling of the disease and medication. With good adjustment of blood glucose levels and adequate awareness, especially of hypoglycemia, a motor vehicle can be driven safely. Regular assessments thus also enable professional drivers to maintain their ability to work.
Driving with an acute heart condition?
In principle, there is nothing to prevent patients with cardiac arrhythmias or excessively high or low blood pressure from driving a motor vehicle. However, the assessment of the attending physician is decisive here. The same applies after heart surgery (z. B. Bypass) or a heart attack. Depending on the severity of the disease, it may be possible to drive a motor vehicle independently again soon after discharge from hospital. Sometimes it is advisable to wait for further stabilization. The same applies here: If you drive a motor vehicle too soon and cause an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay if you are proven to have impaired driving ability.
Concussion – driving allowed?
When one is allowed to actively participate in traffic again after a concussion depends on the severity of the traumatic brain injury. Typical symptoms such as headaches, nausea and balance problems impair the ability to drive a motor vehicle. Here, too, the doctor decides when the patient is allowed back behind the wheel.
You should not drive a vehicle if you have these dementia symptoms
Dementia sooner or later leads to inability to drive a motor vehicle. Even in the case of dementia, continuous medical observation is urgently required to determine how long the fitness to drive is still given. Studies show that driving ability can still be present in early-stage dementia. At the latest, when limitations, z.B. Procedures on known routes or uncertainty when turning and at intersections become noticeable, the patient is no longer allowed to drive a vehicle under any circumstances.
Driving a vehicle with epilepsy only as an exception
Driving a motor vehicle with epilepsy poses special dangers. The sudden onset of cramps may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Epilepsy is treated with special drugs (antiepileptics). The attending physician makes the decision whether the patient may continue to drive a motor vehicle. As a guide, the "assessment guidelines for motor vehicle fitness" also apply here. In exceptional cases, an epilepsy patient may also drive a motor vehicle. Decisive factors include how long ago the most recent epileptic seizure occurred and what caused it (z. B. Medication, stress, lack of sleep). Particularly strict rules apply to professional drivers.
Painkillers can make or break fitness to drive a motor vehicle
Sometimes only painkillers allow the participation in road traffic. Because, when they work, impairing pains are blown away. Strong medication can also lead to restrictions. If painkillers contain opiates or cannabis, patients must pay attention to their driving ability and refrain from driving if necessary. The following applies here: The driver may only get behind the wheel if the attending physician expressly permits it. Especially in the acclimatization-. Special care is required during the changeover phase. It's best for cannabis therapy patients not to drive until unwanted side effects no longer occur. During traffic controls it is advisable to present a medical therapy certificate or a current prescription to the police in order to prevent the suspicion of drug driving.