EMBARGOED UNTIL 11:00AM GMT MONDAY 30 OCTOBER 2006

Royal Society of Medicine publishes new book on fitness to drive

The Royal Society of Medicine has today published a new guide to assist doctors and health professionals who provide advice and assessment on fitness to drive in Great Britain.

Written by Tim Carter, the Department for Transport’s Chief Medical Adviser, Fitness to Drive: A guide for health professionals is the most up-to-date guide on the capabilities required for safe driving.

Dr Carter said:

“This guide is an essential tool for health professionals nearly all of whom need to advise on fitness to drive. Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of death and injury in the UK and health professionals can make an important contribution to reducing this risk.”

“Sound advice on fitness to drive is based on an assessment of the driver’s risk of crashing because of any health-related impairments and this book is crucial in helping health professionals understand their role and responsibilities under legislative requirements.”

Mr Peter Richardson, Managing Director of Royal Society of Medicine Press said Fitness to Drive provides clear cut advice to GPs and health professionals.

“The book covers all aspects of the subject, including health and the driving task, driving and the clinical consultation, and the rationale for medical standards. The guide is also relevant to health and transport professionals such as fleet managers, insurers and road safety advisors,”

Mr Richardson said.

Fitness to Drive: A guide for health professionals is endorsed by the British Medical Association and its Board of Professional Activities and Board of Science.

The book is published on behalf of the Department for Transport and in association with the British Medical Association. This book replaces Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive, last published in 1995.

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Fitness to Drive: A guide for health professionals is published by The Royal Society of Medicine Press. It is available for purchase at www.rsmpress.co.uk [RRP: £19.95, 1-85315-651-5, Paperback].

The guide will be launched at a briefing with the author on 30 October 2006 at The Royal Society of Medicine, London.