Blog Archiving

FAQ about driver safety in San Mateo

A big percentage of car accidents happen due to the inadequacy of people to drive properly. Here are some frequently asked questions about driver safety norms and codes in San Mateo that make sure everyone’s safe on the road:

What can the department of motor vehicles do about a person who is unable to drive safely because of mental or physical disorder or condition?

The law permits DMV to reexamine and investigate a person's ability to drive a motor vehicle safely.

What are the types of conditions that can hamper a person's capability to drive safely?

Any disorder that might obstruct alertness, physical coordination, strength, agility, attention, judgment, knowledge, or skills required to safely operate a vehicle is a concern to the department of motor vehicles.

The health issues may be temporary, such as the effects of a heart stroke, or may be permanent such as a diabetic condition or an uncontrolled seizure. It may also be a progressive condition that deteriorates gradually over a period of time, such as Alzheimer’s or other kinds of dementia. These are just a few examples of the different types of mental or physical disorders or conditions that might compel DMV to review a driver.

How does the DMV find out about people who are unsafe to drive due to a mental or physical disorder or condition?

DMV receives information from several sources, including physicians and surgeons, law enforcement, judges, acquaintances and family members. According to law, peace officers also have the power to request reexamining a driver, if they discover or observe reasons to believe an individual may not be able to drive safely. Court judges also have similar rights.

Apart from this, the law necessitates surgeons and physicians to report to the local authorities. These reports are then sent to the department of motor vehicles for further action.

What kind of medical conditions does a physician report to the department of motor vehicles?

Physicians are obligated by law to report physical or mental disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Apart from this, they may report other conditions if they believe may affect the ability of a driver to drive safely.

What is priority reexamination?

A priority re-ex is immediate evaluation of a person by a DMV officer. A plea for priority re-exam initiates with a peace officer observing a person’s driving and believing he/she is an unsafe driver. A peace officer may report for priority reexamination if he/she spots a driver:

  • Violating the rules of the road
  • Showing signs of mental or physical incapacity, and
  • Posing a big traffic safety risk.
  • The peace officer can also issue the person a priority reexamination notice.

Driving safety is taken very seriously in San Mateo County. Anyone unfit to sit behind the wheels is immediately sent for a reexamination or is permanently barred from driving. However, this does not mean that the county has no plan for people who are restricted to drive. To cater to the travelling demands of those with physical or mental problems or senior citizens, San Mateo offers non-medical transportation vans. These vehicles have been built with extra safety measures to make sure the customer is safe during the entire journey.