The U.S. commerce secretary has resigned after he was involved recently in two car accidents that he blamed on a seizure.

In a letter to President Barack Obama this week, John Bryson said he was concerned that his health condition “could be a distraction.” He said the commerce department, which promotes U.S. business interests throughout the world, would be better served with a new leader.

Bryson's deputy, Rebecca Blank, filled in for him in the days since the June 9 accidents near Los Angeles, and now will serve as the acting commerce secretary.

The 68-year-old Bryson is a former chief executive of a California utility company. Local police say he hit two cars three times in a five-minute period, and fled the scene after hitting the first car. He was found unconscious at the wheel of his car after hitting the second car.