My father is 85 and his doctor said he shouldn't drive until he sees him again in a month. He still has his drivers license. He was recently treated for vertigo. He has been unsteady on his feet for years & has cataracts. He only drives 3 miles to see my mother in the nursing home daily & buy groceries. My brother came back from Florida & pushed the issue of dad's driving with the doctor. Now brother is returning to Florida & I'm stuck driving dad around. I think dad is driving anyway. My question is since he still has a valid drivers licence what happens if he's pulled over or has an accident?
If there is an accident and a lawsuit while your dad is driving, I don't think it will be in his favor that he was driving against his doctor's orders.
Could you find a rehab place that tests handicapped drivers? My husband passed such a test after a head injury and could continue to drive. Ten years later when he was diagnosed with dementia he asked the doctor if she would change her mind if he could pass the test again and she agreed she'd write to the DMV if that happened. Husband never went for that test, realizing he couldn't pass it.
Also, would you consider writing a note to the doctor and asking that if he still does not feel driving is safe at the next appointment, would he please notify the DMV?
If your father is not a safe driver, you need every tool at your disposal to prevent him from driving.
Then I took her off of the insurance and the rates went up, but she is still listed as a non driver.
This is a safety issue that involves the safety of others, as well as your Dad.
Yes, dad is limiting his driving distance but what if he hits a child or hurts someone and they find he had vertigo or other? Yes he’s insured but someone could sue and take everything. Maybe explaining that to ur dad will make him think twice.
Didn’t work with my mom and believe likely the case with most elders giving up driving—they won’t unless forced by their doctors orders and loss of lisence thru dmv.
Hardship on you but there are neighbors who would likely take dad to store with them on occasion or u could help dad order groceries delivered, meals on wheels, Uber to and from moms residential care facility.
Good luck. Think about dads estate at risk if he hurts or kills someone at the wheel.
As long as he has a valid licence, he should be ok in that regards as far as being pulled over or being in an accident. If it is a bad accident, the victims might want to question how healthy he is to be driving and did that contribute to the accident. My opinion.