Driving Issues - Should you drive?

Whether you should continue to drive is one of the most hotly debated issues within families.

Most people respond to questions about their ability to continue driving with immense hostility - no matter how tactfully it is put to them. Yet it is not just an issue of the wellbeing of the individual driver but their responsibilities to other road users as well.

In 2006, Queensland, introduced "Jet's Law" after a tragic motorway accident. You can no longer wait until it is time to renew your licence to report a long term or permanent medical condition that adversely affects your ability to drive safely. As soon as the condition develops, or as soon as there is an adverse change to an existing condition, you need to take steps to inform Queensland Transport.

To keep driving as long as possible:

• Choose a car that is light and easy to drive. A small automatic car is easier when you are a bit frail or have an injury.
   
• Use appropriate back supports to minimise strain
   
• Make sure your garage door is easy to open and close.

Giving up gracefully.

• Be honest about why you are so upset, you may need to address those issues.
   
• If you fear loss of independence, choose a home where services and shops are available without a car - and you'll be independent long after you've stopped driving.
   
• Avoid a crisis by ensuring that you know how to get places by taxi and public transport before you need to. You can get a lot of taxi rides for less than it costs to own, insure and maintain a car.  
   
• If you feel that driving is part of being an adult, remind yourself that some very fortunate adults prefer to be chauffeur-driven.

Refusing to stop?

When people of any age refuse to stop driving despite having an injury or impairment that could make them a danger to others as well as themselves, it is usually better to approach a professional about assessment rather than cause more friction within the family. 

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