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Are you OK to drive after fainting? New UBC study says yes

A new study from UBC reveals that drivers whoÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ved fainted before pose no increased risk on the road
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A new study from UBC has found that people whoÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ve visited the emergency room for fainting arenÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t prone to more car crashes than other drivers. (Freestock-photos/Pixabay.com)

A new UBC study has laid to rest the question of whether or not itÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s OK to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if the driver is prone to fainting.

A new study from the UBC Faculty of Medicine, published Aug 1, suggests that people who have visited the emergency room for fainting arenÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t prone to more car crashes when compared to other drivers.

The study explores the relationship between first-episode syncope ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½“ or fainting ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½“ and car crashes. According to the research team, only 9.2 per cent of the 9,200 drivers who participated in the study were involved in a car crash within a year of visiting the emergency room for fainting.

Researchers also found that drivers who fainted didnÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t pose an increased risk in the month after their emergency room visit.

In comparison, 10.1 per cent of drivers who visited the emergency room for other problems, were involved in car crashes a year after their visit. ThatÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s compared to the national average of 8.2 per cent of drivers who get into car crashes in any given year.

Despite concerns, imposing driving restrictions on those whoÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ve fainted isnÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t necessary and would contribute to unnecessary stigmatization, . However, the research team says that fainting can be a sign of a more serious medical issue and encourages people to visit the doctor if theyÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ve fainted.



kemone.moodley@hopestandard.com

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Kemone Moodley

About the Author: Kemone Moodley

I began working with the Hope Standard on August 2022.
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