Concerned About Someone's

Driving Ability?

Although most seniors are excellent drivers with years of experience behind the wheel, even the best drivers can become unsafe when age related medical conditions cause changes in driving abilities.

Any condition that affects mental functions can affect driving.  Such illnesses include Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, head injury, heart disease, lung disease & mental illness.  Other factors such as loss of mobility, reduced vision and poor hearing are additional factors to consider.  The use of multiple medications also needs to be taken into account. These can serve as red flags that someone’s driving ability may be compromised.

Be aware, that the driver may have impaired insight into their own abilities and therefore not recognise these problems.  Impaired insight also means that the driver will not take appropriate measures to self restrict their driving.  Many individuals with cognitive impairment continue to drive, often to the distress of their families.  These individuals are not aware of the danger that continued driving poses both to themselves & other road users & therefore rely upon their family to recognise when they are becoming a safety risk.

If you have concerns about someone’s safety, observe their driving, watching for warning signs such as these that indicate reduced driving competence:

Being unaware of their driving errors

Having close calls or new dents & scratches on the car

Drifting into other lanes or driving on the shoulder

Driving at inappropriate speeds (too fast or too slow)

Being unaware of other vehicles on the road

Failing to observe signs and traffic lights

Getting lost or confused while driving in familiar places

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Ideally, the first discussion about driving should occur long before there is a problem.  Early conversations help to establish a pattern of openness and allow the individual to adjust to the idea of eventually ceasing driving.  This also allows time for plans to be put in place.  It is important that the person feels that you have their best interests at heart.  Be aware that there may be some resistance. Click here for asssistance in preparing for a conversation about driving

Carefully choose who is most appropriate to raise the issue.  Someone close & trusted is best.   Surveys suggest that most people prefer first hearing concerns from their spouse.  Those who don’t have a spouse may rather it to be raised by their adult children. Most seniors respect the opinion of their doctor, so sharing your concerns with their GP can help.

Some good opportunities to raise the subject of driving may be:

When there are changes in health status

When there has been a near miss

After an accident has occurred

When there are media events related to accidents & road safety.

Imagine the impact ceasing driving would have on your own life.  Find out what driving means to the person. It is important to recognise that a licence signifies more than just the ability to drive a car.  It also represents a persons independence, freedom & the ability to be involved in activities outside the home.  Consideration needs to given to how social and transportation needs will be met in the future once driving ceases.

There are many alternative transport options available such as: ride sharing with friends and relatives, taxis, public transport, local shire transport services & private drivers.  It can also be useful to prepare a transportation budget so that the person is aware of how much money they will have available for alternative transport when no longer using their own vehicle.   People are often surprised at how much money is actually available that would normally be spent on costs such as fuel, insurance & car maintenance.

Ultimately, the best way to make a decision about when it is time for someone to give up the car keys is to have a driving assessment.  DriveABLE Australia offers a specialised assessment service to determine competence in people with medical conditions.  If you have concerns about someone’s driving, ask your doctor to make a referral for a DriveABLE assessment.