Date: 2008-03-20
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The State Government today announced the introduction of a new law that will make it mandatory for all drivers to report any permanent or long-term medical condition that is likely to impair their ability to drive.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The State Government today announced the introduction of a new law that will make it mandatory for all drivers to report any permanent or long-term medical condition that is likely to impair their ability to drive.
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Ljiljanna Ravlich, said the new regulations further strengthened the existing provision which indemnified people who reported unfit drivers.
“These amendments are a result of recommendations made by the State Coroner and their introduction brings us into line with the other States, which have similar requirements,” Ms Ravlich said.
“Under the new legislation, all drivers in WA are required to notify the Department for Planning Infrastructure (DPI) in writing of any permanent or long-term medical condition they suffer from that is likely to impair their ability to control a motor vehicle safely.
“By the term ‘medical condition’ we are referring to any long-term medical condition, mental disorder or physical disability that may impair a person’s ability to drive safely.
“This could include a range of medical conditions, as well as certain treatments, which may impair a driver’s perception, judgement, response time and reasonable physical capability.”
The Minister said that reporting a medical condition did not automatically mean a driver’s licence would be cancelled or restricted.
“How each licence is affected depends on the medical condition itself and the action taken by DPI in determining a driver’s fitness to hold a licence,” she said.
“Because of the wide variety of medical conditions that may come into this category, I urge all drivers who are unsure if their condition will affect their driving ability to discuss the matter with their health professional or contact DPI via the Medical Mandatory Reporting hotline: 1300 852 722.
“Failure to notify DPI of permanent or long-term medical condition may result in a penalty of $500.”
Further information on how to report a medical condition is available from: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/medicalreporting
Minister's office - 9213 6800