Abstract
The driving regulations in Japan were amended in 2002, which granted license to persons with epilepsy (PWE) under certain conditions. To clarify the effect and identify any problems after the new driving regulations, a questionnaire survey were carried out both to the driving authorities of Hiroshima and to the doctors in charge of practices. The results were as follows: 1. Many doctors recognized the new regulations, but negatively informed their PWE. 2. As news of the change spread, the increase in the number of PWE, who newly applied and obtained driving license rose markedly compared to the general population (38.1% vs 12.5%; p<.0001), but some doctors also mentioned the difficulties in assessing seizure recurrence and the withhold periods. 3. The ratio of traffic accidents (TA) in PWE is presumed to be about 5.5%, or almost the same as in the general population in Hiroshima, but a relation to seizures and TA, and low compliance of antiepileptic drug regime in PWE, were suggested. Overall, more flexibility in driver license assessment and further enlightenment both for PWE and for their doctors are needed.
