The potential for catastrophic crashes, involving drivers with medical conditions, could have been reduced if the province had been more proactive in monitoring at-risk motorists.

That’s according to a report from Ontario’s ombudsman.

Andre Marin looked into the 2009 fatal crash caused by a diabetic from Hamilton, who experienced severe uncontrolled hypoglycemia.

Allan Maki ate a snack before the crash because his blood sugar level was low but did not wait to confirm that his condition was stable before getting behind the wheel.

Marin says the 40-year old man was later convicted of dangerous driving causing death, but the Ministry of Transportation did not suspend his licence  after the crash.

The ombudsman says doctors are required to report patients with potentially unsafe medical conditions, ”but the requirement is of no value if it’s not followed up or if it’s too confusing or if it just amounts to paperwork that is just shuffled, lost or forgotten”.

Marin adds he found inconsistencies and errors in what he calls an ”outdated” reporting and monitoring system.

The ministry has agreed to implement all 19 of his recommendations for improving it.