A Place for Mom's Family

 A family I am currently working with has a father suffering from dementia that has had 2 driving tests and failed.  He is going for a third that the family is hoping will show him he really needs to let someone else do the driving to keep him and others safe.

There is also a possible legal liability issue for families that do not intervene when an elderly loved one is not capable of safe driving anymore.  Anyone injured as a result of an unsafe elderly driver might pursue legal means to recover any medical bills and also additional damages in possibly large amounts.

Two weeks ago, I hit an elderly gentleman who blew the stop sign.  I only hit him because he was so slow to react when he saw me and I slammed on the breaks as fast as I could.  Now - he is paying for everything from medical to rentals, to car repairs. 

My point here is - when does the insurance company test the people that they insure?????  That would help all of us who have seniors in our care.

I wonder if there is an address (email or regular) or a person at the Arizona DMV who people can send such suggestions/concerns to?  I've been really impressed lately with the impact that many many folks can have by writing to a government agency.  There are lots of children of seniors from Arizona visiting this site...perhaps the start of a grass roots effort for change?

Best wishes for your upcoming difficult but important conversations.

Sincerely,

I am not sure how all states work, but I am aware of how thing went in NC. After my father-in-law took his neurological test and was labeled with Alzheimer"s the doctor was responsible to report this to the DMV so there was no question of taking the persons license away.

You may want to ask your families neurologist.

I was told once to consider contacting the elderly person's insurance agency if you have valid concerns about the safety of their driving and they will investigate - even if the senior still has a l valid liscence they may decide not to renew and then they  would get off the road - we hope...  Any insurance agents care to respond??

As a former State Trooper, laws an procedures vary from state to state, but you should be able to contact your DMV for their re-examination process or medical review process.  Some states allow family members to petition for a retest (full drivers exam) but some also require lenghty and detailed written expanatioins (sometimes from physicians) as to why the person is unfit/unsafe to drive (CYA on the state's behalf).  A writer above listed they were in Arizona, and AZ does have a Medical Review Program.  You can call the number below for more information on this program and procedures forgetting someone evaluated.  Hope this helps.

AZDMV
Medical Review Program
Mail Drop 818Z
P.O. Box 2100
Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100
Phone: (623) 925-5795
Fax: (623) 925-9323

I lived in Florida for a long time and the elderly drivers in our midst were always a major concern.   And although the elderly drivers were great fodder for plenty of jokes; "Gramps puts his left turn signal on when he leaves the house in the morning and then just leaves it on all day."  It really wasn't funny if you were the one driving down there everyday.

Surely you will remember that hilarious fast food commercial that featured a little old lady who could not even be seen behind the wheel of the car she's driving because she's so short.  Well that's not an exageration or even an uncommon sight among Florida's elderly drivers and if you can't see them - can they see you?

I believe the tag line to that commercial was "Punch it Margaret" which brings me to another safety issue with the elderly - their depth perception becomes so diminished that they are unable to correctly judge the distance between oncoming cars and their own vehicle.  In Florida I'd often have to stand on my brakes to avoid hitting an elderly person who had just pulled into on-coming traffic with all of the speed of a tortoise!

I feel that we have an obligation as their family, friends and neighbors to rescue the elderly drivers from themselves.  Especially when you see these kinds of driving errors - please don't hesitate to take steps.  Don't wait for a serious accident to have this conversation because the grandmother you save may be your own!!  Frank talk saves lives.

Thank you for sending the Medical Review Program info.  It's important to know which way to turn, when you are dealing with an elder person who is determined not to listen nor except age and ability - does not always go hand in hand.