Occupational Therapist’s brief comments on recent media coverage related to elderly drivers and “Fitness to drive”.
15 July 2011 In recent weeks, the Queensland media has been awash with news articles related to Ali France, a young mum injured by an[…]
Driving Errors Increase With Age Among Older Drivers: Blind-Spot Errors Most Common Mistake
Even healthy adults with a safe driving record tend to make more driving errors as they age, including potentially dangerous mistakes, such as failing to[…]
Editorial: A testing time for veteran drivers. By Terry Sweetman, From: The Courier-Mail June 24, 2011
by Terry Sweetman From: The Courier-Mail June 24, 2011 12:00AM THE Australian male, particularly the mature bull, is generally a placid beast – until you[…]
Can QLD match the other states with an improved system?
A GOLD Coast MP says his daughter harbours no animosity towards an elderly driver who crashed his car into her in a shopping centre carpark,[…]
Elderly will fight to keep driving licences
A UNIVERSITY study has shown elderly motorists are too confident in their driving abilities and will not voluntarily forfeit their licenses. In most other states[…]
From Paul Knotts, Owner, Total Injury Prevention Specialists
“Tim is an efficient, honest and hard working health professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. He achieves great outcomes, is an effective problem solver[…]
Recommendation from Greer Nicholson, Business Contracts and Performance Manager
“Tim has a wealth of experience that allows him to see the precise medical and personal detail within each case. Understanding the wider business framework[…]
Gutted parents push for change to law requiring medicos to report drivers with medical conditions
Kristin Shorten From:The Sunday Mail (Qld) March 20, 2011 12:00AM SHATTERED: Kelly Hornby with pictures of her mother, Denise Mansell, and her daughters, Grace and Jessica[…]
Interview with Professor Sir Michael Marmot
An interesting interview with Prof. Sir Michael Marmot – Chair of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, about how the credit crunch will effect[…]
Driving with dyspraxia
Article sourced from the British Telegraph, original article here. By Maxine Frances Roper 3:00PM GMT 21 Jan 2011 Learner drivers with conditions such as dyspraxia, which[…]
Scooter toll prompts call for tests of elderly riders
Karen Collier From:Herald Sun July 29, 2010 7:21PM. Original article here. HEALTH checks are being urged before the elderly are let loose on scooters around[…]
Tim Williams is put under the spotlight
Evolution Principal clinician, Tim, was recently questioned by an OT consultancy firm in the United Kingdom. For the full article, click here.
Videos of vehicle conversions, driving aids and adaptations commonly prescribed by Evolution OTs
Recently, a vehicle modification company in Victoria, ran an open house day displaying some of the aids and adaptations available to the Australian market. PME[…]
How it feels to have a stroke…
Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it[…]
Are you “CarFit®”?
Are You: Over 75 years of age; Needing drivers licence renewal, or medical certificate renewal due to an ongoing medical condition that may[…]
A great video about a successful new driver with Cerebral Palsy
Kristy has spent a year trying to get her license. All those months of anticipation and frustration come down to this, will she be able[…]
FAQ: What happens after the Occupational Therapy driving assessment?
Following your assessment, your Occupational Therapist will complete a counselling/discussion session detailing the outcome and recommendations. Your Occupational Therapist will then write a medico-legal report[…]
Safe Driving Guide – The QFleet Safe Driving Guide
The Queensland Government is committed to improving road safety and to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. Driving a motor vehicle[…]
Under existing Australian OH&S laws, truck fleet operators have special responsibilities to ensure their drivers are fit to drive.
As a nation we are very reliant on heavy vehicles for transportation of both people and goods across the country. There are approximately 400,000 registered[…]
Scrutiny of older drivers may cut deaths but loss of independence can be painful
My father was furious. Then 83, he lived independently in a retirement community and prided himself on being an excellent driver who, early in his[…]
AMA Statement: The Role of the Medical Practitioner in Determining Fitness to Drive Motor Vehicles
In 2008, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) developed a set of 13 statements to support, and guide their members.
Is there any Financial Assistance in Australia for people with disabilities to assist them to get around?
There is some assistance with the cost of vehicle purchase, modification and repair, and other transport costs. They are: GST exemption, Mobility allowance,[…]
FAQ: What if I am a Learner driver?
To complete the driving assessment you will need to hold your learner’s permit, and have a medical certificate stating that you are fit to complete[…]
FAQ: What if I have additional license classes? (Class HR, HC, R)
Should you wish to regain any additional license classes (HR, MC, R, etc.) you will be required to sit an on-road occupational therapy driving assessment[…]
FAQ: What if I need vehicle modifications?
Your occupational therapist may assist you with information on what modifications will suit you best, and where your vehicle may be modified
Usefulness of off-road screening tests to licensing authorities when assessing older driver fitness to drive
Traffic Inj Prev. 2008 Aug;9(4):328-35. Langford J. Monash University Accident Research Centre, Victoria, Australia. jim.langford@muarc.monash.edu.au Abstract INTRODUCTION: There is a growing interest in quick and[…]
Aging baby boomers–a blessing or challenge for driver licensing authorities
Traffic Inj Prev. 2008 Aug;9(4):379-86. Dobbs BM. Abstract INTRODUCTION: In less than 5 years, the first wave of baby boomers will begin turning 65, with[…]
Safety Tips for the Older Driver
In 2002, one in every eight Australians was over the age of 65. Maintaining a driver’s license is an important issue of independence for older[…]
Drugs and the Older Driver
No matter what your age, being able to drive means independence. This independence comes with the responsibility to drive safely. “If you’ve driven for most[…]
Facts about driving and aging
Everyone ages differently, so some people can continue to drive into their seventies, eighties, and even beyond while others cannot or should not. However, the[…]
Talking to an older driver who should stop driving
If you find yourself in the position of talking to an older family member or friend about their driving, approach the issue with sensitivity. A[…]
Adjusting to life without driving
Adjusting to life without driving Adjusting to life without a car may be tough at first. Hopefully you have participated in the decision to stop[…]
Warning signs of unsafe driving
Driving is a complex function and problems can come up in a number of ways. If you begin to find driving more difficult than before,[…]
Driver Safety Tips
Aside from taking care of your health, you can take an active role in helping yourself or another senior to drive more safely.
Help yourself to drive safely: Common worries and solutions…
Helping yourself drive safely If you’re worried about… Try the following… Visual decline Get eyes checked every year and make sure that corrective lenses are[…]
Poll Results: “How should we as a society determine when someone with dementia should stop driving?”
A recent poll of 119 American people were asked the question: “How should we as a society determine when someone with dementia should stop driving?”[…]
Comments from Mr Higgins
I am 84, and have been working with my doctor for the last 4 years to complete my annual driving licence paperwork. This year I[…]
Thanks from Graham
I was the victim of an assault which left me with a head injury. It affected my concentration, thought processes and confidence to such a[…]
Conversation Planner: How can I have good conversations about not driving?
Building Family Cooperation and Communication LESSON You want your conversations with the person with dementia to be positive, progressive and productive. You can use these[…]
Improved driver medical standards released for consultation
Proposed revisions to medical standards for private and commercial drivers will improve the decision making process for driver licensing. Published 05 May 2010. National Transport[…]