Epilepsy South Africa has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the family of the driver who crashed his car into a primary school in Elsies River outside Cape Town, apparently while suffering an epileptic seizure, and to the families of the children injured in the crash, praying for their speedy recovery.
Clearly, the incident touched many people, as evidenced by the many comments posted on internet reports of the accident.
Attaining a driving license is a significant milestone in anybody's life, says Epilepsy SA; it represents freedom of movement and independence. However, it also represents a serious road-safety responsibility.
The organisation also recognises that this responsibility is even greater if you have epilepsy, and that you should decide whether it is safe for you to drive after considering both your doctor's advice and the law.
According to the South African National Road Traffic Act you are not permitted to drive if you have uncontrolled epilepsy. Apart from this, deciding whether you should drive or not is left to the individual concerned and their doctor, based on the type and severity of seizures, and the degree to which they are controlled.
Studies have shown that people with controlled epilepsy are at no greater risk while driving than the general population, although, as a general rule, they should be seizure-free for two years before driving, and they must be taking their medication as prescribed.
Epilepsy SA has formulated the following guidelines for people with epilepsy:
IF YOU CHANGE or stop your medication suddenly, stop driving until your doctor advises you it's safe to be on the road again.
IF YOU HAVE A SEIZURE for the first time in years, stop driving and consult your doctor.
DON'T DRIVE when you're tired, stressed or ill, as you're more likely to have a seizure at such times.
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
An inability to drive due to epilepsy can be very frustrating, it says, and a blow to your sense of independence, but there are other ways to stay mobile: explore public transport or organise a lift club to share costs and a driver with other people in your area.