Letter: There are more considerate ways to test seniors for driving abilities

By Letter to the Editor on July 25, 2024.

Subject: Medicals for elders’ drivers licence renewals

Dear editor,

So far, in my mid 80s, my doctor has approved the medical requirements related to my licence renewal every two years. However, I have been hearing some concerning stories about other elderly drivers being challenged, beyond medical, physical and vision requirements, primarily related to potential dementia issues.

First, I really do believe doctors are unfairly imposed upon to speculate about a patient’s driving skills, based just on their overall health, especially in light of potential future liability issues.

However, one of my friends shared a Medicine Hat doctor’s approach to this issue. The doctor apparently asked only a few, but very smart and applicable related questions, like, (paraphrasing), ‘Has anyone honked at you recently?’; ‘Have you had any accidents or violations?’; or ‘Have any family or friends expressed concerns about your driving ability?

Brilliant.

I, and likely other drivers, may not pass some of the related apparent dementia questions imposed by some doctors like, for example, repeating backwards the alphabet or a series of numbers, especially under duress.

I still count on my fingers, at times, because my mind is slower, but not yet dead!