Austroads Tackle Drivers who Shop Around

Austroads have released a new edition of Assessing Fitness to Drive, effective from 1 October 2016. The new edition contains an expanded section on what to do with patients who aren't fit to drive and might shop around for an opinion from a doctor who is not aware of their medical history, as well as some amendments to medical criteria.

The role of doctors in assessing fitness to drive was the subject of an inquest in Queensland in  a case involving an elderly driver who visited a number of doctors in an attempt to regain her licence after it was cancelled. She was then involved in a fatal crash that claimed her life.

We recommend that doctors are familiar with the Austroads guidelines, and refer to them when assessing patients’ fitness to drive. See also this case study on fitness to drive, or contact MDA National for further advice.

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.