May 31, 2005 5:46 pm US/Eastern
How to Tell When Someone is Too Old to Drive
Pittsburgh (KDKA) ―
While a lot of healthy people do fine behind the wheel as they get older, not everyone is so lucky.
From decreased perception and motor skills to trouble hearing and seeing -- the realities of aging can take a serious toll on a driver's ability to stay safe on the road.
Knowing when it's time to take the car keys away from an aging loved one is a difficult decision.
Ellen Brasunas found herself facing that dilemma after doctors diagnosed her husband, Anton, with Alzheimer's Disease. Because of the confusion that comes with the disease, he could no longer count on finding his way around town.
"Places that he usually would know which way to go... he couldn't remember how to get there anymore." -- Ellen Brasunas, Wife
For loved ones facing this difficult decision, doctors recommend taking notes while taking a ride with the person.
"The family members can note -- have they had any accidents? Any violations? Have they had trouble finding their way? Any recent falls? We also pay attention to medications -- medications that may cause drowsiness..." -- Dr. Marc Itskowitz, AGH Internal Medicine
Specific tests can check vision, perception, reaction time and coordination.
"The AMA has set up specific cutoffs for those tests and people that score abnormal appear to be at risk," explains Dr. David Carr.
Patients may be referred for re-testing of their driving skills through a driving rehabilitation specialist, an occupational therapist, or the department of motor vehicles.
Warning Signs: Too Old to Drive
Think a loved one may be too old to drive? The following signs and symptoms can translate into troubles behind the wheel:Vision problems
Hearing problems
Slowness
Weakness
Fine motor skills (like buttoning and handling coin)
Traffic tasks (Do they yield? Do they watch for others? Do they find their way?)
Pennsylvania is one of seven states that requires doctors to report patients who are hazards to themselves or others on the road. This can be for any reason -- whether it's confusion, hearing or seeing problems, weakness or slowness of movement, loss of coordination, or conditions where you might lose consciousness.
Dr. Maria Simbra is a board-certified neurologist with a practice in Beaver County. Watch KDKA-TV for her expert advice on today's medical issues. A test from AAA called "Roadwise Review" can help assess an aging driver's risk on the road -- without jeopardizing their privacy or their license. The program is available from AAA; for more information, call AAA's local office at 724/222-3800, ext. 2237
For more information, click on the following links:"Roadwise: Assessing Aging Drivers," KDKA Special Report
"Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers," American Medical Association
Driving Tips for Seniors AAA
Senior Licensing Laws State-by-State
"A Practical Guide to Alzheimer's, Dementia and Driving," The Hartford
"Driving When You Have Had a Stroke," National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov)
"Driving When You Have Arthritis," NHTSA.gov
"Driving When You Have Parkinson's Disease," NHTSA.gov
"Safe Driving for Older Adults," NHTSA.gov
"AAA Roadwise Review: A Tool to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer," AAA
