Why do you need a driving assessment?

When you take a medication, or you have a medical condition that might interfere with your ability to drive safely. Examples of medications that might affect your driving, for the treatment of: allergies, anxiety, high blood pressure, serious pain, depression, or cholesterol.

Even temporary conditions such as a fractured or injured arm or leg can cause difficulty with driving.

How Can Driving Assessments Help Doctors?

Driving assessments help doctors make objective, accurate decisions on whether a patient is able to drive. Driving assessments by a medical professional, an occupational therapist who is a driving rehabilitation specialist, will provide objective data regarding a patient’s driving capability. We will also give you appropriate data to determine when a patient can return to driving or if they need therapy to assist them in returning to safe driving.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ASSESSMENT?

The assessment is a comprehensive test in the office AND BEHIND THE WHEEL. We assess various components including: neurological, visual processing, cognitive function, reaction time, ability to multi-task, knowledge of road signs, muscular strength and range of motion. We make recommendations on treatment and modifications when needed.

10 Warning Signs You Need A Driving Assessment:

  1. Almost crashing, with frequent “close calls”
  2. Finding dents and scrapes on the car, on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, etc.
  3. Getting lost, especially in familiar locations
  4. Having trouble seeing or following traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings
  5. Responding more slowly to unexpected situations, or having trouble moving their foot from the gas to the brake pedal; confusing the two pedals
  6. Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps
  7. Experiencing road rage or causing other drivers to honk or complain
  8. Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving
  9. Having a hard time turning around to check the rear view while backing up or changing lane
  10. Receiving multiple traffic tickets or “warnings” from law enforcement officers

Which Medical Conditions Should Prompt A Driving Assessment?

  • Concussion—TBI or ABI
  • Parkinson Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Dementia
  • Alzheimers
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Stroke
  • Brain Tumor
  • Eye Disease (Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration)
  • Arthritis

COMMON REASONS OLDER ADULTS STOP DRIVING:

  • Vision impairment
  • Emotional Changes
  • Slow reactions times
  • Slower processing of information
  • Medications that interfere
  • Financial difficulties
  • Pattern of close calls
  • Lack of confidence

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