Perceived risk of medical conditions that lead to traffic accidents and opinion on current medical examinations for driver's licenses

Abstract

Road accidents remain a major public health issue in Thailand. Medical conditions can impair driving ability and increase accident risk. However, public awareness of these risks and attitudes toward the current system of medical examinations for licensing are not well understood. Protection Motivation Theory posits that risk perceptions motivate adoption of protective behaviors. This study examined public perceptions of accident risk from medical conditions and opinions on the medical examination process. An online survey was conducted with 410 residents of Bangkok aged 18+ years old. The questionnaire assessed perceived vulnerability and severity for accidents caused by 11 categories of medical conditions, as well as opinions on increasing medical examinations and discontinuing certain screening tests. Respondents perceived a high to very high risk of accidents from vision problems, seizures/epilepsy, sleep disorders, medication side effects, and heart disease. Risk perception was lower for diabetes, older drivers, hearing impairment, and musculoskeletal conditions. Personal vehicle drivers perceived higher risk than passengers. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed with increasing medical examinations for licensing. Most respondents disagreed with eliminating screenings for colorblindness, tuberculosis, leprosy and elephantiasis. Factors associated with higher severity perception included income, education level, driving experience, and accident history. The findings align with evidence that neurological, cardiovascular and visual disorders substantially impact driving ability. However, chronic conditions were perceived as lower risk. Drivers appropriately recognized their increased risk compared to passengers. The desire to maintain tests for colorblindness and infectious diseases indicates some misconceptions about their relevance. This study found that the Thai public perceived a high risk of accidents from medical conditions known to impair driving, but had lower risk perception for some chronic conditions. Respondents strongly supported increasing the use of medical examinations for licensing, but opposed removing tests of uncertain relevance. Policymakers should use these findings along with medical evidence to develop licensing criteria that are effective, fair and acceptable.