Limited Knowledge of Safe Driving Practice among Drivers with Diabetes in Armenia: Association with Greater Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Abstract

Aims: The aims of the study were to assess the degree of knowledge and adherence to the recommended safe practice for driving and the risk of road traffic accidents among people with diabetes mellitus in Armenia. Methods: A total of 628 respondents, including 200 drivers, out of 641 consecutive attendees at six diabetes clinics, participated in the survey. A modified British questionn aire on driving and diabetes was used to obtain the relevant data. The information from all 103 drivers treated with insulin and 73 taking sulfonylureas was reviewed. Results : The study revealed that of 176 insulin and sulfonylurea-treated drivers, 161 (91.5%) had never received any advice about safe driving practices. Among the drivers, 156 (88.6%) never measured their blood glucose before, or during driving. The survey revealed that 86 (51.2%) of 168 patients had a history of at least one motor vehicle accident within the previous 5 years. The average road traffic accident rate per person/year was 0.21. Conclusions: The study revealed a lack of knowledge among drivers with diabetes treated with insulin or sulfonylureas concerning recommended safe practices for driving. This was associated with significant hypoglycemia while driving and an elevated rate of road traffic accidents.