Sir: There is evidence to suggest that people suffering from psychiatric disorder are more likely to be involved in road traffic accidents (Reference SilverstoneSilverstone, 1988). Moreover, there is a clear expectation that doctors should offer advice to their patients regarding their fitness to drive. It is therefore good practice not only to give such advice to patients but to document the advice adequately.

We examined the case notes of 45 patients consecutively discharged from an acute psychiatric hospital. In only four cases (9%) was there any evidence of advice having been given concerning driving. Following an educational programme to highlight this issue a further 60 case notes were examined, demonstrating no improvement in the recording of advice. This was evident even among those patients known to be drivers and who met Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) criteria for requiring guidance (DVLA, 2001).

There are many reasons why advice regarding fitness to drive may not be passed on to patients or documented in their case notes (Reference Humphreys and RoyHumphreys & Roy, 1995; Reference MorganMorgan, 1998). Failure to share the information with our patients may have lasting consequences; for the patient, the health professional and the general public. It is therefore important to highlight this issue and to incorporate it into clinical governance.