The Difficult Decision of Driving Privileges
As my father faced the gradual decline brought on by Alzheimer’s disease, conversations among my family members often circled around the sensitive topic of when it might be appropriate to take away his driving privileges. Of all his children, I was the last to concede, desperately clinging to the hope that I could preserve his freedom, even as we slowly began to limit the distances he was allowed to drive.
One fateful day, while navigating a busy street, he turned to his caregiver and asked a troubling question: which pedal was the gas and which was the brake? Shortly thereafter, he accidentally collided with a neighbor’s car while attempting to back out of our driveway. It was in that moment of realization that we made the difficult choice to sell his beloved old Audi.
Throughout those challenging years, I cannot recall a single instance where my father’s doctors inquired about his capacity to drive, let alone suggested that he cease driving altogether. As a physician myself, I can understand why. In the fast-paced environment of a standard office visit, few doctors feel equipped to tackle such a complex and emotionally charged issue as determining when a patient should no longer be behind the wheel. Furthermore, many healthcare providers are hesitant to breach patient confidentiality by reporting impaired drivers to the appropriate state authorities.
However, it is crucial to recognize that doctors possess a unique vantage point to address this pressing issue. We manage a variety of common medical conditions—such as seizures, heart arrhythmias, vision impairments, and dementia—that can significantly impact driving ability. Additionally, we have insights into our patients’ overall health and the medications they are taking, which might further impair their driving skills. Importantly, patients often place considerable trust in our recommendations regarding their health and lifestyle choices.
Therefore, I propose that states should implement mandatory reporting laws requiring doctors to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles about medically impaired drivers, while simultaneously offering legal protections to those who fulfill this duty. The ultimate decision regarding an individual’s fitness to drive should rest with the state, rather than relying solely on family members’ judgment, which can be fraught with emotional complications.
Of course, the revocation of driving privileges is not a trivial matter. In many parts of America, driving is not just a convenience; it is a necessity for maintaining mobility and independence. The ability to drive opens doors to employment, social interactions, recreational activities, and many other aspects of life that contribute to our overall well-being. When this privilege is taken away, it can exacerbate the isolation that individuals who are medically or cognitively impaired often face.
