Iowa officials don't 'necessarily know' drivers' medical conditions

Unless it causes an accident, there's no way the state would know a driver has a medical condition that could hamper his driving.

"We're not going to necessarily know everybody's medical condition," said Dena Gray-Fisher, spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Transportation.

One person was killed and five injured, two seriously, Monday when James Greiner of South English lost control of a truck carrying the auctioneer's booth at the Kalona Sales Barn. Donald Breed, 70, of  Freeport, Ill., died after he was struck by the pickup.

Witnesses said Greiner, 73, appeared to suffer a seizure or other medical condition that caused him to hit the accelerator.

If a medical cause is confirmed, it will be noted on the accident report, triggering revocation of the driver's license, Gray-Fisher said. The license would be reinstated only on a doctor's finding the driver isn't subject to seizures or other chronic conditions.

"If that person appeared to have a blackout or something, that would be reported and checked out," Gray-Fisher said. "We always rely on a medical opinion."

If there's no accident, IDOT wouldn't know of a driver's threatening condition unless it's apparent to a license examiner or police officer, Gray-Fisher said.

It's not unheard of for examiners to deny license renewals to elderly drivers, and provisional licenses may restrict a driver with mileage limits or other conditions.

"They may be able to drive with accommodations or only drive in the daytime," said Gray-Fisher. "It can be restrictive."