LANSING, MI (AP)-- A Michigan law allows doctors to alert state officials if they believe that patients' medical conditions make it unsafe for them to drive.
The Detroit Free Press reports the law was approved late last year and clarifies a doctor's responsibilities when faced with a patient who has vision loss, dementia or other age-related health problems that could threaten their driving abilities.
Like laws in several other states, officials say Michigan's new law shields doctors from liability if something goes wrong on the road.
Fred Woodhams is a spokesman for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who supported the change. He says the office gets about 400 requests a month to double-check a driver's ability. About half are from law enforcement; others often come from family members or doctors.
