The Arrive Alive website received the following email from a person suffering from Epilepsy:
Email: Epileptics shouldn’t drive
Dear Advocate. I have epilepsy for 35 years. I had many injuries and seizures. My personal view of epileptics driving is a big no-no. We as epileptics must not put other road users at risk by forcing to drive.
I have never and won’t ever drive a car or vehicle. Many people lost limbs or became epileptics after an accident. I say prevention is better than cure. I don’t even go with someone when I get an aura (sign before a seizure). I think maybe Arrive Alive should get a law put in for an epileptic who drove knowingly and had a seizure then caused an accident. I say they should be arrested and charged laid against the driver.
Regards
What are the Rules of the Road on Epilepsy?
Section 15 of the National Road Traffic Act deals with the disqualification to drive resulting from medical conditions and disabilities, while Section 16 covers the procedure to follow:
Herewith an Excerpt from the Act:
Sec 15. Disqualification from obtaining or holding learner’s or driving licence
(1) A person shall be disqualified from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driving licence—
(f) if he or she is suffering from one of the following diseases or disabilities:
(i) Uncontrolled epilepsy;
(ii) sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension or any other cause;
What is Epilepsy and how would it impact on Safety?
The following links provide some more insights on Epilepsy and Safety on the Road
Blood Pressure, Driver Fitness, and Safe Driving