Abby Services
  • About Us
  • Caregiver Services
  • Professional Caregivers
  • FAQ’s
  • Home Health News & Blog

When good drivers turn bad…. What to do about dangerous older drivers.

April 19, 2017Scott StrachanUncategorizedNo comments

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lee County, in general, are known for their beaches, tourism, snowbirds, and our senior population. Because Abby Services is known as one of the leaders in senior care we often have families asking what they should do about a parent, neighbor, or loved one who has become unsafe behind the wheel. This is often a sensitive subject and one that can be challenging to manage.

According to a report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the rate of accidents per mile of driving increases steadily for drivers 65 and older. More worrisome still, drivers 80 and older have higher crash death rates than any other group except teenage drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. (One reason: Older drivers are physically frailer than other drivers and thus more likely to die in a crash.)

The first step should be to have a serious discussion with the individual you are concerned about. This is sometimes best done in advance before their driving is a concern. Ask them when they believe it is no longer safe for them to drive. Often times they may have very realistic impressions about their abilities and safety. Ask them to commit to relinquishing their driving privileges when it becomes unsafe.

Sometimes an unsafe driver may not be conscious of the fact that they are unsafe. They may also not have the mental capacity to independently make that decision. In these cases, it may be a good option to involve their physicians. They can make a professional evaluation and make a recommendation based on their professional opinion. This is usually coming from a trusted source based on an independent examination.

Another option is to anonymously report an individual to the DMV. Here is a link to the form used in Florida. Once submitted, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles conducts an investigation to ensure there is cause to initiate a review of the driver.

  • If cause is shown, the driver is advised they are under medical review and are asked to provide medical information from their physician to the Department.
  • Once received, the information is provided to the Department’s Medical Advisory Board.
  • After review, the Medical Advisory Board provides a recommendation regarding the individual’s ability to drive.
  • This recommendation may be to: • Require additional information from the driver; • Require the driver to re-take the driving test, or • Revoke/deny a license.
  • If a license is denied/revoked, the driver may request an administrative hearing to appeal the decision.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a brochure that reviews medical conditions and driver safety.

Abby Services can help those who are unable to safely drive by finding caregivers who can help them with groceries, at appointments, or simply socialize. Please contact our offices to find out more.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Recent Posts

  • Managing Your Caregivers Overtime.
  • Happy Customer Alert!
  • Making Thanksgiving Easier for Elderly Loved Ones Requiring In-Home Care
  • Choosing The Right In-Home Care Service
  • In-Home Care Benefits For Veterans and Their Spouses.

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • May 2020
    • March 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • February 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • August 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • December 2015
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • July 2011
    • March 2011

    Categories

    • Facility Care
    • Press
    • Rehab Facility
    • Resources
    • Uncategorized

    Tags

    1099 brook dale Carpet Cleaning COVID Deficiency free Dementia Fall Prevention homecare home health care Home Watch in-home care Independent Living memory care Pets rehab retirement Taxes The Windsor Thrive Veterans Day


    6314 Corporate Ct. Suite 160
    Fort Myers, FL 33919

    239-590-0861 or 1-877-261-6498

    Connect With Us

    Facebook

    Free Consultation

    • or leave this area blank and an Abby Services staff member will contact you.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Recent Posts

    • Managing Your Caregivers Overtime.
    • Happy Customer Alert!
    • Making Thanksgiving Easier for Elderly Loved Ones Requiring In-Home Care
    • Choosing The Right In-Home Care Service
    • In-Home Care Benefits For Veterans and Their Spouses.
    Copyright © 2015 Abby Services Inc. All rights reserved. License # 30211206