driving evaluation

Stay Safe on the Road

By Sara Stomberg, IPMR Occupational Therapist
ge, health issues, injury, and disability may cause concerns about safety on the road. A driver may experience vision difficulties, range of motion limitations, endurance limitations, or delays in reaction time. An issue like ADHD may cause trouble with judgment and decision-making. Driving evaluations using a driving simulator can test for difficulties and counsel drivers or young potential drivers about abilities and options. For individuals who are physically challenged, the program helps determine the proper adaptive controls. For some, strength or balance issues can be corrected through therapy to improve driving skills. Other times, a driving evaluation is the validation you want that it is time to retire from driving and explore other transportation options. A state-of-the-art driving simulator features lessons, driving scenarios, and exercises delivered in a methodical building block approach. The driver must interact individually with unpredictable, multiple car traffic interaction exposing them to the rigors and complexity of driving on busy roadways. The evaluation tests for range of motion, strength, vision, cognition, and reaction time. A driving evaluation may be self-initiated or could be recommended to you by a physician, family member, school, or employer. Physicians may be concerned with your ability to drive after a health event like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Your recent driving or accident record may concern a family member and cause them to refer you. A high school can use the evaluation to determine if a student with health issues or disabilities is qualified for the schools driving program. An employer may want to test your driving skills after a health event or injury to make sure you are safe to return to a job that requires driving. No matter who initiates or recommends your test, a physician referral is required to be tested. Be safe and live well.

The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation provides driving evaluation and counseling as part of their nonprofit mission to improve function and quality of life. IPMR is pleased to announce its new, upgraded driving simulator with 39 lessons and 200+ driving scenarios. See the new simulator and learn more at the IPMR open house event at 6501 N Sheridan Rd on Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 309-692-8110 or visit ipmr.org.

Page 40 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria September 2013