A diagnosis of mild dementia alone is not an automatic reason to stop driving. Families can use this list as an objective way to monitor any changes in driving skills over time. The signs are ranked from minor to serious. Written notes of observations can help you make informed decisions and may be useful in conversations with healthcare providers.
Consider the frequency and severity of incidents. Several minor incidents or an unusual, major incident may warrant action. Look for patterns of change over time. Isolated or minor incidents may not warrant drastic action. Avoid an alarming reaction. Take notes and have conversations at a later time, instead of during or right after an incident.
Driving Behavior Warning Signs – When Noticed, How
Often
1. Decrease in confidence while driving
2. Difficulty turning to see when backing up
3. Riding the brake
4. Easily distracted while driving
5. Other drivers often honk horns
6. Incorrect signaling
7. Difficulty parking within a defined space
8. Hitting curbs
9. Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage
10. Increased agitation or irritation when driving
11. Failure to notice important activity on the side of
the road
12. Failure to notice traffic signs
13. Trouble navigating turns
14. Driving at inappropriate speeds
15. Not anticipating potential dangerous situations
16. Uses a “copilot”
17. Bad judgment on making left hand turns
18. Near misses
19. Delayed response to unexpected situations
20. Moving into wrong lane
21. Difficulty maintaining lane position
22. Confusion at exits
23. Ticketed moving violations or warnings
24. Getting lost in familiar places
25. Car accident
26. Failure to stop at stop sign or red light
27. Confusing the gas and brake pedals*
28. Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason*
29. Other signs:
For the signs, marked with asterisk * - Stop driving
immediately
General Signs to Stop Driving
·
Increased Confusion: Difficulty remembering
routes or understanding traffic signals.
·
Frequent Accidents: Increased involvement in
minor fender benders or near-misses.
·
Traffic Violations: Receiving tickets or
warnings for speeding, running stop signs, or other infractions.
·
Changes in Behavior: Exhibiting anxiety,
frustration, or aggressive driving patterns.
·
Physical Limitations: Difficulty turning the
head, poor reaction times, or trouble with coordination.
Conducting Assessments
For caregivers and family members, identifying the need
for a driving evaluation can be difficult.
Consider these strategies:
·
Open Conversations: Approach the subject
delicately, discussing concerns without judgment. It’s vital to create an
environment where individuals feel safe to speak about their challenges.
·
Professional Assessments: Consulting
healthcare professionals can provide insights. Occupational therapists can
offer driving evaluations tailored to assess cognitive and physical
capabilities.
·
Simulated Driving Tests: Some communities
may offer programs that provide simulated driving situations, allowing for a
practical assessment of the individual’s driving skills in a controlled
atmosphere.
Legal DMV Requirements in California
Drivers who have been diagnosed with dementia must attend
a reexamination and must take a driver safety knowledge test. If the driver
passes the test, then they may be asked to take a special driving Test or a
Supplemental Driver Performance Evaluation.
If the driving test is satisfactory, DMV will schedule a
reexamination within 6-12 months to reassess the progression of dementia. This
is because mild dementia can rapidly progress to moderate or severe, even if
the driver is not aware of that.
If the driver’s faculties are significantly impaired, or
if they are significantly mentally and physically incapacitated, DMV may take
action such as revoking a DL.
Planning for Transition
If an assessment indicates that a loved one should no
longer drive, it's crucial to have a plan in place.
Here are several steps to ease the transition:
1. Explore
Alternatives: Look into public transportation, ride-sharing options, or
community shuttles that cater to seniors.
2. Schedule
Regular Check-Ins: Frequent check-ins can help maintain independence while
ensuring safety.
3. Connect
with Support Groups: Driving cessation can be an emotional process.
Connecting with others in similar situations can provide the emotional support
needed during this transition.
