DO I REALLY NEED AN EVALUATION?
THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS YES!
Driving is a complex task that involves more than the physical ability to operate controls. Adequate vision, reflexes, and cognitive skills are required to process what one sees and how effectively they can react in order to ensure safe decisions behind the wheel.
Trained driver evaluators have the important task of making the roads safer for drivers with disabilities, their passengers and other road users. They will help you explore transportation solutions, and offer specific assessment and instruction skills.
DO ADA DEALERS RECOMMEND DRIVER EVALUATIONS?
Yes, ADA Dealers take the steps needed to make sure that you get back out on the road safely with your van conversion, wehelchair lift, scooter lift, hand controls or other adaptive equipment. It is normally required that a person receive driver evaluation and training whenever steering, accelerator or braking modifcations are installed in a person's vehicle.
BE SURE TO NOTICE THESE WARNING SIGNS
If you, or those who drive with you, notice any of these warning signs, you may need a driver evaluation:
- Inappropriate driving speeds (too fast or too slow)
- Needs help or instructions from passengers
- Doesn't observe signs or signals
- Slow or poor decisions (poor judge of distances, too close to other cars)
- Easily frustrated or confused
- Pattern of getting lost, even in familiar areas
- Accidents or near misses
- Drifting across lane markings into other lanes
SO, EXACTLY WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A DRIVER EVALUATION?
The evaluation generally consists of both a clinical and behind-the-wheel assessment. The clinical assessment includes tests of physical function, vision, perception, attention, motor function, and reaction time. The behind-the-wheel assessment includes actual driving performance tests. . Based on the evaluation results, the evaluator will determine whether the individual has the ability to drive independently or at all, and whether they require additional rehabilitation or training. Evaluations can average three to eight hours.
WHAT IF I NEED SPECIAL DRIVING EQUIPMENT?
The evaluator will determine the type of adaptive driving equipment and/or vehicle modifications you may need. Many advances have been made in driving equipment and vehicle technology, and an evaluation is highly recommended before any vehicle modifications or purchase is made.
OK, HOW DO I GET A REFERRAL TO A DRIVER REHABILITATION PROGRAM?
Referrals can be made by physicians, specialists, eye doctors, occupational therapists, driving schools, gerontologists, parents or spouses, the individuals themselves, and other sources.
For more information and to find a qualified Driver Rehab Specialist, visit the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists website.
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