Are you seeing changes in someone's driving behaviour? Noticing a subtle decline in their skills behind the wheel? Maybe they're a bit slower to react or using poor judgment. Perhaps they're having difficulty seeing traffic signs or struggling to turn the steering wheel properly. Or maybe the issues are more severe – such as driving through red lights and stop signs, refusing to yield the right of way, or not realizing when vehicles are travelling in the opposite direction.

If so, we’re here to help.

When you have concerns

You have several options:

• Have a frank conversation with them about your concerns and what you've seen. Talk about what the next steps might be to determine if they should consider hanging up the keys.
• If you think it may be related to a medical condition, encourage them to discuss your concerns with their health care provider, or contact them yourself.
• If you notice someone is driving without following the rules of the road and you have safety concerns as a result of this, you can also let us know.

People with a medical condition, such as a cognitive impairment, may not recognize their symptoms and insist they have no problem driving. Cognitive impairments may not only deprive people of their ability to drive safely; cognitive impairments may also deprive them of their capacity to recognize there is a problem with their driving. That's why it's understandable for them to become resistant or anxious when you first broach the subject.

But as family and friends, we want to protect our loved ones and keep them safe. We want to do what's best for them – and for those they share the road with.

Start a conversation

Starting a conversation about driving can be quite difficult for most people. We don't want to offend or alienate someone we care about. That's why it's important to be prepared. Explain why you're concerned – and list examples that you've noticed.

Possible conversation starter: "Dad, we've seen things that indicate you are having some problems driving. These include…"

You can also focus on the bigger picture of road safety.

Possible conversation starter: "I'm concerned about your safety or that someone else might get hurt."

Possible conversation starter: "I know how important driving is to you. But I also know how concerned you are about the health and wellbeing of other people…"

They may have a tough time accepting what you're telling them. That's why you need to be prepared for a negative reaction. No matter how they respond, it's important for you to remain calm and not become defensive. Be a good listener and allow them to express their feelings and emotions. Do not lecture or demand that they give up their keys immediately. Let them know there are steps they can take to discover for themselves whether further action is required.

Share your concerns

If speaking directly with the individual is not an option, you can complete our online form to advise our Driver Fitness department of your concerns.

We require your name and relationship to the driver, the suspected medical condition (if applicable), the specific driving behaviour(s) you witnessed that prompted your concern and a telephone number where you can be reached.

Please note: We must receive the full name of the individual that the concern is about. Include any additional identifying information, such as their date of birth or address. If you have immediate safety concerns, please contact the appropriate authorities.

Once Driver Fitness has received and verified the information with you by phone, we may contact the individual directly. Depending on the circumstances, we may request they provide us with a medical report, demonstrate their driving abilities, or attend a course.

Driver Fitness will not disclose the name of the person who provided the information unless the person reporting is a health care provider, physician, or optometrist.

Driver Fitness is always here to help and be of assistance to you in any way we can. Give us a call.