Drivers are urged to report mental health issues to the DVLA to avoid fines and ensure road safety
This warning comes as many people deal with mental health issues, especially around Blue Monday, known as the saddest day of the year. Conditions like depression and anxiety can really mess with your focus and reaction times, which are crucial for safe driving.
Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing pointed out that if you have severe depression or anxiety, you need to let the DVLA know. If you don’t, you could be fined up to £1,000. Plus, if you get into an accident because of your condition, you might face prosecution.
Many people take medications for these issues, and some can cause side effects like drowsiness or blurred vision. These effects can make driving even trickier, especially in winter when conditions are already tough.
A report shows that around 8.7 million people in the UK are on antidepressants. It’s super important to understand how these meds can impact your driving. Not everyone with mild symptoms needs to report to the DVLA, so it’s a good idea to chat with your GP about it.
Being open with the DVLA is key. Reporting your condition is easy; you can fill out a form online. This not only keeps you within the law but also helps keep everyone safe on the road.
