From Jonathan Burns, MD
Family Medicine and Geriatric Primary Care Provider
Elder Service Plan of Cambridge Health Alliance (PACE)
As health care professionals who take care of older adults, driving safety is a common concern in regards to our patient's health. Although independence is vital to an older adult's health and well being, how do we know where to draw the line? To get you started, here are some quick Q&A's about older adult driving safety.
What are some signs that it is not safe for an older adult to drive alone?
There could be many signs, some include:
- Multiple car accidents, traffic violations, close calls, getting lost while driving
- Multiple falls in the past 1 or 2 years
- Cognitive impairment or memory problems
- Recent loss of vision
- Recent impairment including stroke might require reevaluation of driving
- Seizures
Are you not sure about your patient or client? Click here to take a quiz that may help you identify an unsafe driver.
What are some factors that could impair driving?
Many older adults are on several medications and some of these may make driving less safe.
You may be aware of the "Beers Criteria" of potentially inappropriate medications administered to older adults, provided by the American Geriatrics Society. This list categorizes medications that could impact an older adult's health. In regards to a medication that may inhibit driving, benzodiazepines and certain antidepressants are common medications that are known cause sedation.
Would you like the full list from the AGS? Click here for a pocket card that details the Beers Criteria.
Do you have tips on how to talk to patients or clients about their unsafe driving habits? What about the caregivers?
Gauging an older adult's dependence on driving and their desire to continue driving is important while discussing safety.
Sometimes it helps to emphasize the consequences of impaired driving by asking questions like, "Have you ever known anyone who has been seriously hurt in a car accident?"
As for caregivers, I like to start by reviewing the clinical reasons for concern. If the patient should not be driving, I ask for a commitment from the patient directly to stop driving. This may mean turning over keys to a family member.
For additional tips, click here for an excellent article on how to approach the conversation.
Are there other resources I can use to help my patients or clients?
There are many resources out in the community to help - you are not alone! Here are a few ideas:
- Work with their specialist. Certain patients may have a specialty following them closely such as neurology for a patient suffering from Parkinson's Disease.
- Contact an occupational therapist. They may be able to provide a clinical driving evaluation
- Find a comprehensive driving school. Some schools may offer a detailed, objective safety evaluation. Please note that it might require an out-of-pocket cost. Click here for information from 2 other driving resources, AAA and Car Fit.
Thank you for your time! Should you have any questions about this important topic, do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at [email protected].