Q. We think my dad needs to stop driving. Is there a way to report him so his license is revoked?
A. The decision to stop driving, or talk to a loved one about stopping, is complicated and difficult. There can be valid reasons for such a decision, but it is important to consider everyone’s viewpoint and not seek the most extreme option as the first. If your concern is based on an actual incident that has already happened, you might have to take steps to stop your father from driving, including submitting a request that his driving be evaluated by the State. But, if this concern is based on just an observation you or someone else has made, more research and more conversation is the better path.
For most of us, driving stands as an indicator of our ability to remain independent and in control of where we go and of when and what we do in our everyday life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), our ability to drive safely is affected by changes in our physical and mental conditions. Many of these changes take place as we get older, though in different ways and at different times. Some issues for older drivers might be decreased vision or hearing, slower reaction times, stiff joints and muscles, memory issues, or medication side-effects. Research shows that age is not the sole predictor of driving ability and safety, but that most of us will experience one or more of the conditions noted which can increase our risk of having a traffic accident. One key to safety is knowing when a driver is at increased risk – even if we ourselves are that driver.
The NHTSA website has an excellent resource to get informed about driver safety, understand when and how such changes might be needed, and suggestions on how to start the conversation with an older driver. Go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers/how-understand-and-influence-older-drivers for more information.
In Michigan, the Request for Driver Evaluation (DA-88) form may be submitted by law enforcement, the medical community, Secretary of State office staff, the legal community, adult protective services, concerned citizens, friends, and family. When completing the form, you must:
- Include your name, address, phone number, and signature. Anonymous submissions are not accepted, although requests by private citizens will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by Michigan and Federal law.
- Include identifying information regarding the person subject to the evaluation, such as name, date of birth, address, and driver’s license number (if known.)
- Include a description of the concern, incident, pattern of behavior, or justification for the request.
A person’s age cannot be the basis of the request.
The form can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/driver-assessment
Q. Does your organization offer rides for older adults?
A. Region IV Area Agency on Aging (RIV AAA) as an organization, does not directly provide rides to individuals. Through our services, we can arrange transportation for our clients. If you have on-going care needs in the home as well as transportation needs, you might be eligible for one of our programs. Contact our Info Line for Aging and Disability at 800-654-2810 for information.
In some situations, Medicare, or Medicaid, might pay for limited, medically necessary, non-emergency transportation, sometimes with a doctor’s order or prior authorization. RIV AAA also helps to fund transportation in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties through the network of area senior
organizations and centers. Public transportation in our area usually has discounted fares for individuals over 60 or those who are disabled. A good resource for finding public transportation options is to go to www.mywaythere.org or to call your county administration office.
Most other options for transportation are fee-for-service. RIV AAA has a list of these companies, so again, just call our Info-Line for Aging and Disability at 800-654-2810.