John Childs, retired automotive teacher and driving instructor, was the guest speaker at the October meeting of the Bairnsdale and District Diabetes Support Group speaking on driving with diabetes.
Prior to John’s talk members participated in a quiz to match people with the connection to their name. Jill Mathieson had the most correct answers with 26 out of 50. It was a most enjoyable activity to get the brain working.
Having diabetes should not stop you from enjoying day-to-day activities, like driving. Before getting behind the wheel and taking to the road.
Make sure you’re fit to drive, you need to provide a medical report stating that a medical examination has been done and that you are fit to drive.
Inform the driver licencing authorities in your state that you have diabetes. Most people using insulin will require a medical certificate every two years or if taking tablets every five years. If managed by diet and exercise alone you still have to inform the authorities or you can be charged with a range of driving offences if you have an accident when behind the wheel.
Report to your motor vehicle insurer about your diabetes, if you don’t you may have problems with claims.
Monitor your blood glucose level before driving to see if it is 5mmol/L or more. Always carry your blood glucose meter and check levels every two hours on long trips. Make sure you always have a carbohydrate snack available, and if you feel your glucose level might be low, pull over immediately and stop your car. Do not restart your care until you feel absolutely normal.
Driving a motor vehicle comes with major personal and legal responsibilities and liabilities. The NDSS provides advice on extra precautions you need to take to be safe on the road in their Diabetes and Driving booklet or Diabetes and Driving – A quick guide. Information can also be found on the VicRoads website.
John answered many questions and distributed information handouts. Members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.
Jenny Coverdale then presented John with a small gift on behalf of the group and thanked him for the excellent thought provoking talk and for answering and discussing the many and varied questions.
