‘Don’t drive on past the red flags of dementia’
CLIPPING the kerb, driving slowly and forgetting to release the handbrake are among ‘red flags’ that dementia sufferers should see as a warning to stay off the roads, Newcastle scientists have warned.
Researchers at Newcastle University have issued a stark warning that continuing to drive with dementia could cause accidents and have released evidence-based guidance to assess whether someone suffering from the condition is still fit to have their hands on the wheel. Although they say that many patients are perfectly capable of driving after their diagnosis, they should seek advice if they experience one of the ‘red flags,’ which also include getting lost on familiar routes, an over-reliance on passengers and feeling overwhelmed.
They urge friends and doctors to broach the “difficult conversation” with the driver for the greater good of avoiding tragic road accidents.
Dr John-Paul Taylor, clinical senior lecturer at the University, said: “This can be a difficult conversation for anyone to have, whether you’re a family member or doctor, because losing the ability to drive can have a significant impact on someone’s independence and well-being.
“However, someone who is no longer safe to drive can be a source of concern for families and loved ones, and may also put the driver and others at risk.”
The researchers make clear that their intention is not to strip dementia suffers of their freedom by banning them from the roads immediately.
Tim Beanland, head of knowledge management at Alzheimer’s society, said that he welcomes the Newcastle scientists’ recommendations and hailed the report for providing “greater clarity”. He said: “People with dementia have the right to remain independent for as long as possible. When being assessed for fitness to drive they have the right to be treated in a fair and open way.
“Alzheimer’s Society strongly supports the issuing of new guidance in this area for clinicians.
“This guidance should also give much greater clarity to people with dementia and those supporting them as to what to expect when being assessed for fitness to drive.
The full list of driving ‘red flags’ is:
■ Any ‘at fault’ accidents or near misses;
■ Parking problems/hitting kerbs/ scrapes
■ Speeding or lack of awareness of speed limits when driving;
■ Driving excessively slowly;
■ Delayed reactions to, or poor judgement of, road situations in driving;
■ Passengers becoming actively involved in managing operational aspects of the journey (e.g. pointing out hazards or traffic light changes), rather than being a passive traveller;
■ Poor control of vehicle or increased hesitations at junctions and roundabouts;
■ Passengers or drivers no longer feeling safe when in the car;
■ Consistently getting lost on familiar routes.