RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Questions to Ask

How often is the person driving? Where? Why?
Have there been incidences of getting lost or not arriving?
Have there been accidents or near misses? (Check car frequently if possible for new marks or dents)
Is there a vision problem that can be corrected with glasses?
Are the driving problems related to illness?
Would a change in medication help?
Would you feel safe as a passenger in the car?
Would you feel safe as a pedestrian knowing this person is on the road?
Would you feel safe as another driver on the same highway?
Should someone always be in the car with the driver? Is this a viable option?
Is it just a matter of time before the person has a serious accident?
Is public transit or a transportation service available? If so, does the person have mental or physical impairments that would prevent them from using public transit?
Can family members or friends take turns driving the person to regular activities?
Is there someone who can help you discuss your concerns with the driver?
Would the driver acknowledge or be able to understand that there is a problem?
Is it time to take away the car keys? While safety should be the primary concern, this is a serious step to take. Be prepared if the person is upset.
Steps to Take

When addressing this potentially difficult situtation, remember that losing your driver’s license can be a potentially devastating experience
Try to involve the person in question as much as possible, unless the person refuses to recognize that there is a problem and it would be counterproductive to do so
Seek a professional driving evaluation
Advise the family physician of your concerns and ask for a medical assessment
physical exam
eye exam
cognitive assessment, if Alzheimer Disease or other dementia is suspected
Find out if DriveABLE is available locally and arrange for testing.
DriveABLE

is a two-part test specifically designed to measure driving competency of people with cognitive impairment

includes a 40-minute touch screen computer test of
memory
peripheral vision
judgment
includes a road test in a dual-brake car for people who pass the computer test
can provide scientifically-based proof that someone should give up his license
accepts referral from licensing authorities, physicians, insurance Companies and individuals
costs $250 for the computer test; $75 for the road test
is considered a medical expense for income tax purposes
is in use in Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia
If the person should discontinue driving:

find out whether family members and friends will be able to drive the person to regular activities and appointments
investigate alternative transportation arrangements such as public transit, taxis and transportation services
discuss the situation with the driver in a non-threatening environment
offer alternatives
have someone the driver trusts ask him to hand over his license
hide the car keys, modify the car so that it cannot be driven, or remove it from sight, if necessary
report the driver to the authorities, if you have no other option
ask the family doctor to send a letter to the licensing authorities
contact the auto insurance company and explain the situation

Note: Physicians who report patients are immune from prosecution.

All Canadian provinces and territories with the exception of Quebec, Alberta and Nova Scotia require physicians to report medically unfit drivers to the licensing authority.

If the person with driving difficulties is permitted to continue driving:

suggest that they avoid heavy traffic, unfamiliar routes, long drives, night-time driving, highway driving, driving heavy vehicles and motorcycles and driving alone
encourage the driver to take a driver retraining course
keep monitoring the situation, so that you are aware of any changes

Encourage older drivers to have their eyes tested yearly and wear their prescription glasses when driving

Some safety organizations and driving schools offer driver improvement programs for older adults.

License renewal requirements for senior drivers vary by province/territory. Find out the renewal and retesting requirements for the appropriate province.

At-home Coping Strategies

Be cautious when discussing the driving issue with a person whose illness may cause aggressive behaviour. Have a family member, health professional, police officer, or a trusted person, such as family friend or clergy present, if you have concerns the discussion might upset the person.
Help the person understand that the illness is at fault, not them.
Let them know that they or someone else could be injured.
Compare the cost of owning and maintaining a car with the cost of using alternative transportation.
Help the former driver remain independent by suggesting viable alternatives.
Have the news come from a third party — a letter from the family physician, a letter from the insurance company advising that they will no longer insure them.
Respect the person’s right to drive, if he can still drive safely and has a valid licence.