<
https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0004420>
"This study explores the linkage between acute SARS-CoV-2 and car crashes
across U.S. states, correlating with COVID-19 mitigation strategies,
vaccination rates, and Long COVID prevalence. This investigation analyzed
aggregate COVID-19 and car crash data spanning 2020–2023, with data collection
occurring between March and May 2024. Analysis was done via a Poisson
regression model, adjusted for population. Key variables included vaccination
status, month-specific effects relating to initial pandemic shutdowns, and Long
COVID rates. Results demonstrated a significant association between acute
COVID-19 infections and an increase in car crashes, independent of Long COVID
status to the tune of an OR of 1.25 [1.23-1.26]. This association was observed
despite varying mitigation efforts and vaccination rates across states. The
study found no protective effect of vaccination against car crashes,
challenging prior assumptions about the benefits of vaccination. Notably, the
risk associated with COVID-19 was found to be analogous to driving impairments
seen with alcohol consumption at legal limits. Findings suggest significant
implications for public health policies, especially in assessing the readiness
of individuals recovering from COVID-19 to engage in high-risk activities such
as pilots or nuclear plant employees. Further research is necessary to
establish causation and explore the exact effects of COVID-19 within the CNS
affecting cognition and behavior."
"
Conclusions
With the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) expiring on May 11, 2023,
society has primarily suspended protection against COVID-19. In light of lack
of mitigations surrounding COVID-19 spread and the failure of the
vaccination-only public health approach that has focused mainly on acute
hospitalizations and deaths, further research is urgently needed into Long
COVID as well as treatments to help manage the sequelae of an Acute Covid
infection.
Legislatures and public health experts should not only view COVID-19 in the
sense of acute mortality and morbidity. As brief neuropsychological tests are
predictive of Long COVID and validated for driving risk, agencies responsible
for driving licenses should implement a short questionnaire at license renewal
inquiring about Long COVID/COVID and refer applicants to neuropsychological
testing as needed. Perhaps even asking if drivers have had ongoing taste and
smell disturbances post-COVID might link applicants with ongoing neurological
sequelae of COVID.
Finally, clinicians, particularly those dealing with Long Covid patients in the
cognitive setting, such as neurologists, must remember their obligation to
report patients who potentially constitute medically impaired drivers. Such
patients may include those with COVID-19 or those who suffer from the
after-effects. Indeed, clinicians, particularly primary care practitioners,
should contemplate warning patients with COVID-19 that they should minimize
driving and report back if they feel any cognitive sequelae."
Via Violet Blue’s
Threat Model: Covid April 17, 2025
https://www.patreon.com/posts/covid-april-17-126843911
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
