As many as 19% of motorists know someone who has got behind the wheel when too ill to drive, it was revealed today.
Yet just 2% of motorists admitted they have driven when suffering a medical condition which made them unfit to be on the road, a car insurance survey showed.
A leading car insurance company official presented the figures to a police conference today.
The survey results follow a Government-commissioned report last week that revealed inadequacies in the way doctors and other healthcare professionals dealt with the problem of patients who ought not to be driving.
A spokesperson for the car insurance company said today: “The survey results suggest that up to six million drivers may drive when they know they shouldn’t for medical reasons. Drivers need to be aware of the risks that they are taking and the consequences of being caught.
“The research for the Government also illustrates that much more needs to be done by the healthcare profession in terms of advising patients correctly when they should not drive.
“Employers need to be more vigilant in checking driving licences and carrying out Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency checks on staff who may have had licences revoked for medical reasons or they might be liable.”
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Our research shows that many drivers routinely receive information and advice about their fitness to drive and take the appropriate action.
“However, to ensure that those working in the health services have the tools they need, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has worked closely with the General Medical Council to provide medical advice on fitness to drive, and has made this available online.
“In addition, we have launched a new Think! campaign urging drivers to check with their pharmacist about the potential effects of medicines.
“But we know there is still more that can be done. The DVLA is working with the Department of Health to develop a learning module on medical conditions and driver licensing awareness to better train healthcare professionals (HCPs), and our research will be circulated to all GPs and other HCPs to remind them of the importance of considering fitness to drive when providing advice to patients.”
