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Driving Rehab Program

When you take a medication, or you have a medical condition that might interfere with your ability to drive safely. Examples of medications that might affect your driving, for the treatment of: allergies, anxiety, high blood pressure, serious pain, depression, or cholesterol.

Even temporary conditions such as a fractured or injured arm or leg can cause difficulty with driving.

How Can Driving Assessments Help Doctors?

Driving assessments help doctors make objective, accurate decisions on whether a patient is able to drive. Driving assessments by a medical professional, an occupational therapist who is a driving rehabilitation specialist, will provide objective data regarding a patient’s driving capability. We will also give you appropriate data to determine when a patient can return to driving or if they need therapy to assist them in returning to safe driving.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ASSESSMENT?

The assessment is a comprehensive test in the office AND BEHIND THE WHEEL. We assess various components including: neurological, visual processing, cognitive function, reaction time, ability to multi-task, knowledge of road signs, muscular strength and range of motion. We make recommendations on treatment and modifications when needed.

10 Warning Signs You Need A Driving Assessment:

  • Almost crashing, with frequent “close calls”
  • Finding dents and scrapes on the car, on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, etc.
  • Getting lost, especially in familiar locations
  • Having trouble seeing or following traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings
  • Responding more slowly to unexpected situations, or having trouble moving their foot from the gas to the brake pedal; confusing the two pedals
  • Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps
  • Experiencing road rage or causing other drivers to honk or complain
  • Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving
  • Having a hard time turning around to check the rear view while backing up or changing lane
  • Receiving multiple traffic tickets or “warnings” from law enforcement officers

Locations offering this service

Which Medical Conditions Should Prompt A Driving Assessment?

  • Concussion—TBI or ABI
  • Parkinson Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Dementia
  • Alzheimers
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Stroke
  • Brain Tumor
  • Eye Disease (Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration)
  • Arthritis
 

COMMON REASONS OLDER ADULTS STOP DRIVING:

  • Vision impairment
  • Emotional Changes
  • Slow reactions times
  • Slower processing of information
  • Medications that interfere
  • Financial difficulties
  • Pattern of close calls
  • Lack of confidence