This report is a preliminary study on the ability of people to drive a motor vehicle safely when experiencing physical or mental impairment. Two of our main objectives consist in developing the cost-benefit aspect and explaining the pros and cons expressed in research proposals regarding the priority to be given to this subject. This is a much debated question. A review of the literature shows contradictory results concerning the risk of driving associated with certain medical conditions.
The cost-benefit study (Régie de l'assurance automobile du Québec sources) which links accidents to drivers according to their sex , age and group of declared medical conditions shows an excess of estimated economic cost of $12 122 325.00 for drivers having declared a medical condition in comparison to drivers without a code for only one year, 1983, and one province, Québec. This estimate is expected to increase by 50% by the year 2000 AD because of the aging of the population and the growing number of new drivers. This is an underestimate because of underreporting and the present unavailable kilometrage variable.
These results, combined with the present unavailability of more definitive estimates and the importance of the administrative decisions taken about people, suggest that major epidemiological research should be undertaken.