Background Global (WHO,2021) and Polish (EZOPII,2021) data indicate increasing prevalence of depressive disorders in population. Poland is inhabited by 37.6 mln citizens, 81.6% of which are over 18. According to 2023 data (UCE RESEARCH et al.,2023), 4 mln of them suffer from depression. 72.8% of Poles aged 18–80 experience at least 1/10 of depression associated symptoms. This group includes drivers, also professionals. Data from the Central Register of Vehicles and Drivers show that around 22 mln people hold driving license; potentially over 18% of drivers may experience mental health problems.

Objective Antidepressants can affect concentration, reflex and psychomotor skills. Therefore driving while using them is usually prohibited. Unfortunately, it is unknown how many drivers should change transport mode for treatment duration and how many are involved in road accidents.

Policy Analysis The analysis of literature indicates that the awareness of drivers about the psychotropic medicines’ effects on human body is insufficient, the promotion of this content by health authorities is unsatisfactory, and social acceptance of driving after taking medicines that may influence ability to drive remains high (ESRA,2019 – in Poland 12.8% declared driving after taking medicines, 2.9% self-acceptance of driving after taking medicines). The scale of the problem is difficult to estimate (DRUID,2012 – in UE presence of medicinal drugs found in 1.36% drivers). The recommended introduction of warning pictograms scale on drug packages has not yet been implemented.

Policy Implications In Poland, average waiting time for psychiatric consultation within National Health Fund in 2023 was 108 days. Depression and its impact on many areas, including traffic behavior, has been neglected for years. Currently, this perception is changing. However, the draft of National Mental Health Protection Program 2023–2030 should be treated as problem outline rather than recovery strategy.

Conclusions To undertake systemic actions, it is necessary to determine the scale of the problem, which also applies to drivers who suffer from depression. Without an in-depth analysis and revision of the existing recommendations this process will deepen and number of people with depression and drivers who should not drive vehicles will increase. This problem is currently the subject of the authors’ research.