Enhancing Road Safety: Proposed Updates to the ‘Fitness to Drive’ Form in South Australia
In a significant move towards improving road safety in South Australia, Dr. Moy, with the backing of Committee of General Practice Chair Dr. Bridget Sawyer, is engaging in discussions with key stakeholders, including South Australia Police (SAPOL), the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), and representatives from Optometry Australia. The focus of these discussions is the potential revision of the ‘fitness to drive’ form, which plays a crucial role in determining an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Key Proposed Changes
The proposed updates to the ‘fitness to drive’ form center around two pivotal changes aimed at enhancing the assessment process:
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Involvement of Optometrists and Ophthalmologists: One of the primary recommendations is to require optometrists or ophthalmologists to complete the eyesight component of the fitness to drive certificate. This change is intended to ensure that the vision assessments are conducted by specialists who are trained to evaluate and diagnose visual impairments accurately.
- Inclusion of an Objective Cognitive Test: The second recommendation is to incorporate an objective cognitive test as part of the baseline testing for drivers. This addition aims to provide a more standardized measure of cognitive function, which is essential for safe driving, especially in cases where the driver’s mental acuity may be in question.
Addressing Subjectivity in Assessments
Dr. Moy has expressed concerns regarding the current assessment process, describing it as "very subjective." He emphasizes that the proposed changes would not only alleviate the burden on general practitioners (GPs) who conduct these assessments but also enhance the overall safety of all road users. “It’s in the interests of all road users to ensure thorough and rigorous medical assessments are carried out,” Dr. Moy asserts.
Dr. Sawyer echoes these sentiments, highlighting that the proposed changes will provide GPs with a clearer framework, particularly in borderline cases where the fitness to drive may be uncertain. “I strongly believe that by establishing a formal pathway, medical assessors will be better able to decline a medical assessment until further opinion has been sought,” she states.
Collaborative Efforts and Ongoing Discussions
The dialogue surrounding these proposed changes has been ongoing. Dr. Moy and Dr. Sawyer met with SAPOL representatives on August 8, where they discussed the potential revisions in detail. The meeting included road safety educator Senior Constable Michael Krawczyk, along with Senior Sergeant Susan O’Connor and Brevet Sergeant Jason Thiele, all of whom are committed to enhancing road safety measures.
In addition to discussions with SAPOL, Dr. Moy has previously met with representatives from Optometry Australia and, on September 12, he and other members of the Road Safety Committee engaged with DIT representatives to address various concerns, including the revision of the fitness to drive form. Senior Constable Krawczyk has taken the initiative to pursue these issues with DIT, demonstrating a collaborative effort to improve the assessment process.
Resources for Medical Practitioners
As discussions continue, Dr. Moy has expressed gratitude to Senior Constable Krawczyk for his contributions and has assured that the Australian Medical Association South Australia (AMA SA) will persist in its conversations with DIT, Optometry Australia, and SAPOL regarding the redesign of the fitness to drive form. In the interim, Senior Constable Krawczyk has requested that SAPOL information sheets be made available to doctors. These resources can assist medical practitioners in counseling patients about their fitness to drive, ensuring that they have the necessary information to make informed decisions.
For more information on road safety education and resources, you can visit the SAPOL website here.
Conclusion
The proposed updates to the ‘fitness to drive’ form represent a proactive approach to enhancing road safety in South Australia. By involving specialists in vision assessments and incorporating objective cognitive testing, the initiative aims to create a more reliable and rigorous assessment process. As discussions progress, the collaboration between medical professionals, law enforcement, and transport authorities will be crucial in ensuring that all road users can drive safely and confidently.
