Driving Restrictions For Diabetics May Be Abolished

Filed in archive News on March 30, 2006

There is a lot to deal with as a diabetic: injections, off-limit foods, and stereotypes from people who don't understand.

But what if your basic rights were taken away? In the UK, diabetic drivers have long been restricted, or even banned, from driving. Officials cite the dangers of falling blood sugar as the reason for the law.

Is this fair? There are many other conditions that could cause the same dangers, yet these are not addressed. Also, these restrictions assume that diabetics may not be taking proper care of themselves.

There may be a chance that these laws will finally be lifted. The article is available here.

Government scientists found some people with the condition pose less of a danger on the roads than was thought.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said the government would review the research before considering a change to the law.

He said: "This is interesting research which we will need to consider carefully.

This story comes closely on the heels of alarming accounts of diabetics having their jobs taken away, solely because of their disease:

A taxi driver and a cake factory worker are among those whose employment was affected by their illness.

Firefighters and Ambulance drivers have also reported that their jobs were being affected.
Campaigners say that is unacceptable that people are barred from jobs, and are fighting to bring an end to the discrimination.

What do you think? Are these laws logical, or do we need to fight to change them?