If someone you know may or does have dementia, but continues to drive, discuss your concerns about their driving with them.  The questions you need to ask yourself are:

Would you drive with them?  Be a passenger in a car driven by them?  Would you allow the grandchildren to be taken out in the car by them alone?

It's important to raise the issue early, while they're still able to make decisions about their driving future, such as selling their vehicle.  Sometimes people with dementia will recognise their own limits and accept that they're putting themselves and others at risk. Give the person a chance to make a decision to stop driving.

Skills Needed To Drive Safely

These are the skills a person must have to drive safely:

• good vision in front and out of the corners of eyes
  
• quick reactions - to be able to brake or turn to avoid crashes
  
• good co-ordination between eyes, hands and legs
  
• the ability to make decisions quickly
  
• the ability to make judgements about what's happening on the road.

It's important to remember that many driving skills are automatic. A confused person may appear to be driving well when they're really relying on habitual responses. A person with dementia may have difficulties when they have to respond to an unexpected problem on the road.

What Can I Do?

You must get help. Speak first to the person's doctor and enlist his or her help (they may be able to arrange a driving assessment). A member of the Police traffic unit may agree to speak to the person too.

Get together with other family members and discuss your concerns. Involve other people if necessary, for example a social worker or Alzheimers Auckland.

Insurance Cover

Insurance companies require that any condition likely to affect a driver's ability must be disclosed or the company has the right to turn down a claim. After notification of this condition, whether the company will continue to provide insurance cover or not depends on the recommendation of the family doctor and consultation with the insured parties.

If the person with dementia is still driving, ask their insurance company if they'll be covered by insurance if they crash.


Coping When A Person Stops Driving

Giving up the right to drive involves a loss of self-esteem and freedom. Anyone required to stop driving for health reasons may feel angry and frustrated.

Try to understand the person's thoughts, feelings and fears. It may be the first time the person has had to face and accept his or her dementia.

If you as a carer don't drive, it's important to consider transport alternatives. These are some options:

• Some families decide to sell the car and place the funds in an account to pay for taxis.
  
• Total mobility vouchers(which give a reduction in taxi fares for those unable to catch a bus) may be available in your area. Ask your local Alzheimers organisation (freephone 0800 004 001) where you can get them and what the requirements are. A disability allowance may be available to help with transport costs.
  
• Voluntary agencies, service groups or church groups may provide a car and driver for transport to and from medical appoiontments.
  
• In some areas Age Concern offers minibus rides and monthly social outings.

The Role of Land Transport New Zealand

Land transport New Zealand is required by law to be sure that all drivers are medically fit and able to drive competently and safely. If the person won't voluntarily stop driving, the Director of Land Transport may revoke their licence - if it's considered necessary in the interest of public safety.

The Role of Doctors

Doctors may refer a person suspected of having dementia to an occupational therapist for an assessment of their driving. This isn't the same as a driving test - it's a more comprehensive assessment.

Doctors also have a legal obligation to advise Land Transport New Zealand if they believe that a person unfit to drive is likely to carry on driving.

Where Can I Find Out More?

• Visit www.landtransport.govt.nz
  
• Call the Land Transport Helpdesk: (freephone) 0800 699 000
  
• Write to:  Land Transport New Zealand, PO Box 2840, Wellington.

For more detailed information, please visit Alzhaimers New Zealand website and browse their resources section www.alzheimers.org.nz/resources.php.