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Driving
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Because driving is a well-learned skill, a person with dementia still may appear to be driving well, even though the driving is really not safe! Driving requires a high complex interaction of eyes, brain and muscle, plus the ability to solve complicated problems quickly. Specific demands are sharp hearing, sharp vision, spatial coordination, memory for locations, good judgment, quick reaction and effective motor skills.

Be aware of the safety of others and of legal implications involved if the patient is driving. Persons with Alzheimer's disease who drive are endangering not only themselves but everyone on the street.

In general:

  • Do not argue about driving. Be firm and positive in your approach.
  • Attempt to help the person with dementia "save face" and give him/her an "easy out" if possible.
  • If an ID Card is needed (in place of the driver's license), the DMV in Virginia will issue an ID card that looks like a driver's license.
  • Plan necessary driving trips when the diagnosed person is napping or otherwise distracted.

Tell the person with dementia that someone else will drive because:

  • "We are taking a new route."
  • "The weather conditions make the car difficult to drive."
  • "It is your turn to enjoy the scenery."
  • "I want to let you rest today."
  • "I am concerned about your safety." Sometimes this will be such a surprise, they will relinquish driving.
  • "I am concerned about your safety and the safety of other people on the road."

Enlist help from others to talk with the diagnosed person about not driving.

  • Ask your doctor. He/she can write a prescription which says "No Driving."
  • Ask your lawyer or other other authority figures whom the person may respect.
  • Ask other family or friends to whom the person may listen.
  • Have memory impaired individual take psychological test that can determine whether or not the individual has the coordination and other perceptual and memory skills necessary to drive safely. Have a professional explain results of test to you and the impaired individual.
  • Have insurance company tell individual insurance will no longer be provided for someone with their medical condition.

Have others do the driving.

  • Use a taxi service. It is much cheaper to pay for many taxi rides than it is to maintain an automobile for one year. Maintaining an auto for one year includes gas, oil, insurance, and general repairs.
  • Hire an individual to do the driving.
  • If the spouse/caregiver does not drive, look for a driver education course designed for adults.
  • Call AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) for driver education courses and defensive driving programs for older adults.
  • Have the diagnosed person sit in the back seat with another person to provide diversion/distraction.

If necessary:

  • Keep car away from home where it is not visible to individual with diagnosis.
  • Take car keys away and keep them well hidden.
  • Designate a specific driver and be sure only this individual has keys to car.
  • Refuse to ride or drive with impaired individual if impaired individual has keys.
  • Confiscate driver's license.
  • Drive car or have car taken to repair shop.
  • Tell impaired individual the car can not be repaired.
  • Disconnect the battery or starter wire. Remove Distributor Cap or wire the distributor.
  • Install a simple hidden "kill" switch in the car. This will interrupt the continuity of the primary wire to the coil thereby preventing the car from being started. When you wish to drive the car, the switch can be turned to the "on" position, the starter circuit is complete and the car will start. An auto mechanic can do this procedure.
  • Sell car as soon as possible. This may be frustrating to the victim, but it is far better than a possible accident.

Contact theChapter Office for specific information from DMV regarding removal of a driver's license.

The limiting or removing of driving privileges is one of the most difficult and important decisions a caregiver must make. One important fact to remember is that what one sees and does about the person with AD driving is the key to safety for the patient, the caregiver and all others!

In the Northern Virginia Chapter Service Area, for more information about Driving, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at (703) 359-4440 or (866) 259-0042. Outside Northern Virginia, please contact your local Chapter.

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Last updated: March 1, 1999

Please return to https://www.alz-nova.org or
call toll-free (866) 259-0042 or (703) 359-4440
for more information about services in Northern Virginia.

© 1997 - 2001 Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area. All rights reserved.

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