Revised version of CMA Driver's Guide now available

OTTAWA, Jan. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The 8^th edition of the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) Driver's Guide is now available. This important guide helps physicians determine patients' fitness to drive and focuses on Canada's changing demographics. The revised guide includes an expanded chapter on the impact of aging and a new section on dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

"Physicians will notice numerous changes in the new edition. One example is a separate and expanded section on traumatic brain injury, including concussions," said Dr. Jamie Dow, the guide's editor-in-chief. Other changes include a revised section on when and why to report patients who are unfit to drive to licensing authorities as well as contact information for physicians to report to the Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Division when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a seafarer has a medical or optometric condition that is likely to constitute a hazard to maritime safety.

"The revised guide is the first published in digital-only format. This will allow for annual updates to keep up with Canada's changing demographic, instead of reviews that take place several years apart," said Dr. Dow. Links to various tools and resources have been added to the majority of the guide's sections.

"The medical profession can be very proud of the work that has gone into this guide since the first one was published in 1974," said CMA President Anna Reid. "It has contributed greatly to the public good." Since 1974, the number of vehicle-related fatalities on Canadian roads has plunged from more than 7,000 deaths annually to around 2,200, thanks mainly to improved vehicle safety features, better road design and tougher driving laws.

Although the guide is intended for use by physicians, it is available to the public for a fee: http://www.cma.ca/driversguide

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 77,000 members and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 51 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care.

SOURCE: CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

For further information:

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach
Canadian Medical Association
[e-mail]
Tel.: [phone] ext. 1266
Cell: 613-447-0866