THE OLDER DRIVER - A HANDY TOOL TO ASSESS COMPETENCE BEHIND THE WHEEL

Predicting with certainty which older patients will have driving probl ems is not possible, as standardized guidelines do not exist. In the a bsence of guidelines, the mnemonic SAFE DRIVE outlined in. this articl e can help you identify important risk factors for unsafe driving. Ris k factors included in SAFE DRIVE are problems with vision and reaction time, intellectual impairment, a poor safety record, alcohol abuse, u se of certain medications, poor attentional shills, impaired executive functions, and a family report of driving problems. Most of these fac tors can, be identified with a careful history, physical examination, in-office tests of cognitive function and alcohol use, and an intervie w with family member(s).