Myths and facts about senior drivers: Part 3

Myth: Having a co-pilot in the car is an acceptable method for maintaining the mobility of cognitively impaired seniors.

Fact: There are no data indicating that a co-pilot enhances driving safety in persons with cognitive impairment.

Myth: The standard (entry level) road test is okay to use to test a patient’s fitness-to-drive.

Fact: The standard road test was not designed to evaluate competence declines associated with medical conditions.

Myth: A restricted license is all that is needed for safety enhancement.

Fact: No restrictions can overcome the inability to drive safely.

Myth: Cognitive impairment is not a serious issue for older persons.

Fact: Overall, 8% of seniors in Canada have a dementia and another 17% have some form of cognitive impairment.

Myth: Cognitively impaired seniors do not drive.

Fact: More than one half (57%) of drivers with ‘some’ cognitive impairment are reported to continue to drive and more than one quarter (26%) of drivers with ‘serious’ cognitive impairment are reported to continue to drive.

Other titles in this series:

Myths and facts about senior drivers: Part 1

Myths and facts about senior drivers: Part 2