Seniors and Driving: Reporting Unsafe Drivers

In Washington, if the Department of Motor Vehicles believes that a driver is suffering from a physical or mental disability that may affect the person’s ability to drive, the department is required to evaluate whether that person can safely drive a vehicle.  How does the department know there is a safety issue with a driver?  Under Washington law, anyone can report unsafe drivers to the Department of Motor Vehicles which, in turn, requires the department to investigate the allegations in the interest of public safety. 

What happens after the department receives a report?  A person is then given a notice that they have been reported as an unsafe driver and will need to demonstrate to the department that they can drive safely.  The department, among other things, may require information from a physician or other health care provider about the person’s condition/disability or may even require the driver to submit to a re-examination of his or her driving skills.  If the person refuses to submit to an examination, the department is able to, among other things, revoke the license or refuse to issue a new license.

From a practical standpoint, the process is fairly simple and straightforward.  One drawback is the information gathered during the investigation is not confidential, except for any written statement or certification rendered by a physician or health care provider.  Unfortunately, this often dissuades individuals from reporting unsafe drivers. 

The more difficult standpoint for most however, is actually getting personally involved in the process of challenging a person’s driving safety, especially if the unsafe driver is a family member.  A certain amount of sensitivity to the senior’s loss of driving privileges must be maintained and it is often difficult for family members to muster, much less achieve.   Yet, a balance can be struck, and should be, for the safety of all of us on the road.

Bell & Ingram, P.S.           (425) 258-6261