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Objective Assessments for Medically At-Risk Drivers

Driving skills can change. No one wants to hurt someone through their driving, but medical conditions, especially those affecting mental abilities, can cause even the best drivers to become dangerous and at high risk for a crash.  DriveABLE™ was developed to provide a scientifically validated driving assessment to determine fitness-to-drive for medically at-risk individuals.

DriveABLE™ reduces some of the burden by providing an objective assessment of medical fitness-to-drive.  DriveABLE™ evaluation procedures moved the evaluation from the realm of “best guess” and “expert opinion” to research-based decision making for medically at-risk drivers of any age. The assessment has been shown through research to be equally fair to both urban and rural drivers.

Increasing Pressure on Physicians.
The aging of the population and the prevalence of age-associated illnesses affecting mental abilities makes driving a critical and difficult issue for the medical community. Current estimates indicate that 25% of the senior population (one in four of those 65 years old and older) has clinically significant cognitive impairment (8% have a dementia and a further 17% have cognitive impairment associated with illnesses other than dementia).  Drivers with cognitive impairment have an increased at-fault crash risk 7.6 times higher than the general population. This is even higher than alcohol-impaired drivers; a blood alcohol level of .08 increases crash risk by 5 times.

As an arm’s length assessment, referrals to DriveABLE™ allows physicians to maintain an advocacy position. The focus can be on the outcome of the driving evaluation and the implications for patient care.

Medically impaired drivers are dangerous drivers.  They endanger not only themselves, but also everyone else who uses the road. Their crashes are preventable! When they occur they are costly both in terms of human tragedy and in terms of healthcare and insurance dollars.  Health care costs can be reduced (estimated savings of over $16,000 for each medically at-risk driver that is identified and removed from the driving population).  We can prevent these crashes and costs while keeping safe drivers of all ages on the road. Lives are saved and injuries reduced.

What Health Problems Affect Driving?
Any medical condition that affects mental abilities can affect driving.  Illnesses include:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Diabetes
• Head injury
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung/Respiratory disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psychiatric illness
• Stroke
• Medications also can affect driving abilities

- “I’ve been driving for 50 years...what should I do?” 

- “I’m worried about Dad’s driving, but I don’t know what to do.”

From an emotional perspective, almost everyone has a story of a close call with a driver who probably shouldn’t have been on the road due to medical conditions. Safety really is paramount. It’s not just about the driver; it’s about protecting everyone on the road. -

Warning signs indicating the need for assessment:

• Unaware of driving errors
• Close calls
• Driving too slowly
• Unaware of other vehicles
• Missing traffic signs
• Getting lost or confused
• Confusing the brake and gas pedals
• Other drivers often honk

A DriveABLE™ assessment is the answer.
Specifically developed for drivers with medical conditions.  Based on award winning university research.  Fair for drivers of any age as well as for rural and urban drivers

What is the DriveABLE™ Assessment?
In the office, motor skills and mental abilities necessary for safe driving are tested. Dangerous drivers often are identified at this point.
The on-road evaluation, is different from a regular road test, but not more difficult. It was scientifically developed to reveal the driving problems of medically impaired drivers. Safe drivers pass. A dual brake car is used for safety.

Referring to DriveABLE™ can make a difference!
Please call the Hamilton Hospitals Assessment Centre for an appointment.