DAMMAM: A campaign to educate thousand of diabetic drivers about safe driving, which was launched recently in cities in the greater Dammam area by the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA), has gained much attention. Driving schools in Al-Khobar and Dammam are now asking applicants for driving licenses whether or not they are diabetic, although they are not requiring them to submit a medical report. SDEA initiated the campaign because there is still a lack of awareness among thousands of diabetic drivers in the Kingdom that they need to learn safe driving guidelines and apply them while on the roads in order to reduce their risk of being involved in traffic accidents, thus saving their lives and the lives of others, Dr. Basem Futa, chairperson of the SDEA education committee, said. The safe driving campaign is focusing on driving schools in Al-Khobar and Dammam, large business organizations, the industrial cities in the region, schools and commercial establishments. Brochures and flyers with educational guidelines on safe driving for diabetic drivers will be distributed to these agencies and to the general public. “Diabetic drivers have a higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents given the fact that many have poor control of their blood sugar level,” Dr. Futa said. He said diabetic drivers need to be aware of specific guidelines they have to follow and apply them for their own safety. “It is a must that diabetic drivers who are embarking on a long journey have their blood sugar level checked before making the trip,” he said. Diabetic drivers are advised not to undertake such a journey until their condition is stabilized. If they intend to drive a long distance, they must check their blood sugar level, eat snacks containing carbohydrates and rest periodically, he added.
