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EC directive helps diabetic drivers to get back behind the wheel of a truck
Page 15
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DRIVERS WHO have been banned from driving lorries because they suffer from diabetes have welcomed a move by the European Commission to begin introducing assessments on an individual-by-individual basis.
Despite there being no conclusive evidence that diabetics pose an increased risk of causing accidents, sufferers who take insulin injections have been stopped from getting behind the wheel of a lorry.
However, a recent directive from the European Commission (Directive 2009/113/EC), that must be complied with by all member states within a year, overturns this prohibition.
,g The directive states that: -2 "Consideration may be given to g the issuing or renewal of Group 2 g licences to drivers [affected] with
diabetes mellitus." It provides criteria for those on medication, and is focused on those who have had no severe hypoglycemic events in the space of 12 months, It adds: in these cases, such Licences should be issued subject to the opinion of a competent medical authority, and subject to regular medical reviews, to be undertaken at intervals of not more than three years" Driver Roy Craigie was out of work for months after his doctor confirmed that he had to take insulin injections. He says: "The key points of the European directive include recommendations for individual assessment of diabetic drivers who wish to drive Group 2 vehicles."
He continues: "Hopefully, this will bring about sonic change for Group 2 drivers in the UK in the near future."
Donna Castle, campaigns manager at leading health charity Diabetes UK, reveals: "Diabetes UK has long campaigned for individual assessment as being the safest and fairest means by which to test a person's fitness to drive a vehicle.
"Many people with diabetes are perfectly fit to drive LOVs and should not be denied the right to earn a livelihood."
A DVLA spokesman reveals: The UK is in the process of reviewing medical standards to ensure compliance and we'll be having discussions with all the appropriate stakeholders."