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For most people, it takes until 85 or older to drive as badly as a teenager. An accepted standard for driving ability is accidents per million vehicle miles travelled. This is 29 at age 16-19, 6 age 70-74, 8 at 75-79, 15 at age 80-84, and 39 above 85. The lowest incidence is 3.7 at age 40-44. Be safe, be sure, be evaluated and accept the result. http://taiwan.vh.org/Patients/IHB/IntMed/ABA30/1993/driving.html **** Parkinson's Disease Affects Driving NEW YORK (Reuters) -- People with even mild Parkinson's disease can have greatly diminished driving skills, a decline which may not be apparent to their physicians or to the individuals themselves, say Finnish researchers. http://personalmd.com/news/a1998033004.shtml **** Unsafe Behind The Wheel? Driving Safety In Patients With Parkinson's Disease SAN DIEGO--The ability of patients with Parkinson's disease to drive may be overestimated by both the patients and their neurologist, according to Theresa A. Zesiewicz, MD. http://www.neurologyreviews.com/jun00/nr_jun00_driving.html **** Parkinson's Patients at High Risk for Car Accidents By Richard Robinson Special to DG News SAN DIEGO, CA -- May 8, 2000 -- Parkinson's disease is a significant risk factor for automobile accidents, according to a new study. http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1D0AE2.htm **** Nonpharmacologic Management of Parkinson's Disease <SNIP> Driving may an integral part of the Parkinson patient's life and, therefore, may be a significant indication of his or her independence. Considerations in assessing driving ability should include: Judgment; Mental status; Reaction speed. Side effects of medication must also be considered in this context. The tendency to freeze can be fatal. Since the decision regarding driving is always difficult, the most objective approach is to have the patient take an approved driver instruction course or retake the state driver's license test. <SNIP> http://primarycare.medscape.com/PCI/parkinson/parkinson.ch10/pnt- parkinson.ch10.html **** Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Issues Barbara Fitzsimmons, RN, MS Lisette K. Bunting, RN, MScN <SNIP> Driving Performance When a patient is seen for the management of PD, no discussion would be complete without addressing driving. Motor manifestations of the disease as well as a decline in cognition may impair the pafient's ability to function safely behind the wheel. Some patients may willingly retire their driver's license, whereas others may view this as giving up valued independence. Evaluation of driving skills by a professional driving instructor may provide a nonthreatening avenue to assess auto safety. Family members should be involved in the evaluation of driving to arrange alternate transportation if the patient's driving is found to be unsafe. <SNIP> http://www.cnsonline.org/www/archive/parkins/park-07.txt ****** [log in to unmask]