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Original poster

What should you do if you have a dizzy turn on the motorway?

19 replies

spaghettipeppers · 07/10/2018 12:05

Thankfully hypothetical. I've been having the odd dizzy spell (doctor says anaemia, and iron is helping).

If you were to pull over onto the hard shoulder, would it be 999? or 111? It wouldn't really be an emergency as such.

OP posts:

randomsabreuse · 07/10/2018 12:08

999, unless you could get out of your car and up the bank well clear.

Original poster

spaghettipeppers · 07/10/2018 12:14

And if you could get out of the car, just wait for it to pass, leave at the next exit?

It's something I never thought of until today, frightened me a little.

OP posts:

Methe · 07/10/2018 12:15

If you’re having dizzy spells that are so severe you need to pull over then you shouldn’t be driving.

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insancerre · 07/10/2018 12:17

Don't drive on the motorway if you are having dizzy spells!
Just don't do it

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 07/10/2018 12:17

If you’re having dizzy spells that are so severe you need to pull over then you shouldn’t be driving.

This. Did your doctor mention this? Is it in your medication booklet? Usually it would advise you not to drive if you're suffering this much - I'd definitely adhere to that; you could end up in a world of pain with your insurance etc if you pull over and it goes wrong.

DGRossetti · 07/10/2018 12:19

Thankfully hypothetical. I've been having the odd dizzy spell (doctor says anaemia, and iron is helping).

If you are aware of a condition that could affect your ability to drive, then you should (a) STOP DRIVING and (b) ask your GP for further advice. It's not a multiple choice with (c) ask a bunch of strangers on the internet.

Wigeon · 07/10/2018 12:19

You need to notify the DVLA if you have fainting spells which may affect your driving: info here

Caroian · 07/10/2018 12:19

Agree with the above, if this is currently a regular thing you know there is a risk of you need to stop driving until this is under control. Not driving is a pain, but not so much as killing yourself or someone else.

If it was a one off/first time then yes, on to the hard shoulder, out of the car and wait for it to pass. If it doesn't pass 999 for medical assistance.

negomi90 · 07/10/2018 12:19

999 it would be an emergency as even on the hard shoulder you are a potential hazard to other drivers (and to your self if you got hit).

NannyR · 07/10/2018 12:19

I agree, I wouldn't be driving if I was concerned I would have a dizzy spell behind the wheel. But in a hypothetical situation I would get out of the car, go as far up the verge and call 101 and ask for advice. If you are able to get out of the car it's not a 999 emergency and I'm not sure how much help 111 would be in that situation.

AllAtHome · 07/10/2018 12:19

You shouldn’t be driving if you are having dizzy spells!!!! FGS!!!!

PotteringAlong · 07/10/2018 12:20

If you’re having dizzy spells you need to stop driving.

Wigeon · 07/10/2018 12:21

And here is detailed info re how they make their decision about whether you are safe to drive. Whether you get sufficient warning before fainting is important (which I learnt is called “prodrome”), and whether you have a definite trigger for the faints. Also, the DVLA say if you don’t notify them about a medical condition, you could be fined £1,000, and prosecuted if you have an accident. Never mind the potentially horrendous consequences if you faint at the wheel. Slightly surprised your doctor didn’t mention driving?

ShakeTheDisease · 07/10/2018 12:23

It can take weeks for iron to make a difference with anaemia. How severe is yours? If really bad then an iron infusion or a transfusion will make a more immediate difference. And it might be wise to stop driving if you're waiting for the iron to take full effect. I've blacked out completely when severely anaemic.

Wigeon · 07/10/2018 12:24

I know all this re DVLA because I’ve had some unexplained faints and have had my licence revoked for now because of them (still being investigated).

You’ve got to tell the DVLA. You won’t necessarily lose you licence - depends on your exact medical circumstances.

Bestseller · 07/10/2018 12:25

Absolutely, if you're prone to dizzy spells don't drive.

Yogagirl123 · 07/10/2018 12:26

Some medical circumstances need to by reported to DVLA, if you fail to do this it may invalidate your insurance. Driving with dizziness is a crazy thing to do IMHO.

wheresmyhairytoe · 07/10/2018 12:31

Please don't drive at all. You're risking your own and other people's lives.

cantfindname · 07/10/2018 12:34

I had dizzy spells due to the medication I was taking and one of the first questions GP asked was whether or not I was driving. He advised that I no longer did so. I contacted my insurance who were very kind and they have agreed to reinsure me with all my previous no-claims if and when I come off the meds.

It simply isn't worth the risk. Imagine driving along a busy street at school time, having a dizzy spell and losing control of your vehicle with all those children around! I certainly couldn't live with myself if that happened.

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