← Return to Driving-and when to stop

Discussion
2me avatar

Driving-and when to stop

Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Aug 7, 2025 | Replies (12)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for dillknox @dillknox

Previously on this site I have brought up the issue of liability and driving with a diagnosis of record regarding cognitive decline. The liability is real, and you share in it with your husband since you have knowledge of his MCI in the event of an auto accident regardless of blame. Your financial security can be exposed to significant risk in defending against a judgment that is not in your husband's favor regardless of how comprehensive your insurance may be. It is in the best interest of your husband, you and the public at large, to take the advice of others on this site to schedule a driving evaluation recognized by your state that affirms his ability to drive safely or sets limits on his driving. These tests do come with a fee and may also be required on an annual basis, but at least your shared liability may be lessened by taking this action. While you may also ask your doctor's opinion about your husband's driving, keep in mind how willing he/she may be to share liability particularly to their medical license. As you explore literature about MCI and what may come next, you will come to know that with cognitive decline and dementia there is no way to predict the first-time driving judgment may be impaired - even temporarily.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Previously on this site I have brought up the issue of liability and driving with a..."

In most states
"informing driver’s licensing agencies (i.e., the Department of Motor Vehicles) about potentially dangerous drivers is not a legally sanctioned reason for breaching confidentiality, physicians may be unable to disclose. So, if they follow their professional obligation to report patients (pursuant to detailed guidelines [14]), doctors may face civil and criminal liability for unauthorized disclosure under some state laws [15]."