Driving

A diagnosis of dementia is not in itself a reason to stop driving.  Many people with dementia drive safely for some time, but if deteriorating health could result in unsafe driving, it is unwise to continue.

Each case has to be judged on its merits and a spokesman for the Automobile Association recommends that you get your medical practitioner/specialist to advise you as to when continued driving would pose a real threat to the driver and other road users.
 
Another consideration is that failure to disclose a diagnosis of dementia to the car insurance company might jeopardise the validity of the policy.

Having other transport options may make it easier to come to terms with the decision to stop driving.  Obvious alternatives include taxis and public transport.  Your local Metropolitan Council or municipality will have information on transport options and whether any of these are subsidised.

For an extract from the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 (Act 93 of 1996), contact our helpline on 011 792 2511 / 8387 or 0860 102 681, between 09h00 and noon.

The Arrive Alive Road Safety Website has made available very useful information about Alzheimer’s and Road Safety. Click on the link to view the information: http://www.arrivealive.co.za/pages.aspx?i=2876 or email nancy@alzheimers.org.za for a copy.