Unfit drivers take to the road

We reveal how many of us get behind the wheel even if we are unwell - find out more here

As many as 19% of motorists know someone who has got behind the wheel when too ill to drive, it was revealed today.

Too unwell to drive?

Yet just 2% of motorists admitted they have driven when suffering a medical condition which made them unfit to be on the road, an AA/Populus survey of more than 20,000 AA members showed.

The figures were presented to a police conference today by AA president Edmund King.

The survey results follow a Government-commissioned report last week that revealed inadequacies in the way doctors and other healthcare professionals dealt with the problem of patients who ought not to be driving.

Mr King said today: "The survey results suggest that up to six million drivers may drive when they know they shouldn't for medical reasons. Drivers need to be aware of the risks that they are taking and the consequences of getting caught.

"The research for the Government also illustrates that much more needs to be done by the healthcare profession in terms of advising patients correctly when they should not drive.

"Employers need to be more vigilant in checking driving licences and carrying out Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency checks on staff who may have had licences revoked for medical reasons or they might be liable."