Page 21 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Michigan law authorizes the Department of State to reexamine a driver when there is reason to believe the driver may be unable
to operate a motor vehicle safely. It may range from vision and hearing, dexterity and mobility, and other medical conditions. The Department relies on information from law enforcement, medical personnel, Secretary of State branch staff, and concerned citizens, including family members, to identify unsafe drivers.
date, driver license number (if known), and current address of the driver being referred. In addition, the letter must describe an incident or pattern of behavior, or other evidence that justifies an evaluation. The request must also include your name, address, telephone num- ber, and signature. The form or letter can be emailed to MedicalForms@Michigan.gov.
Driving does not equal mobility. Being without wheels does not need to spell isola- tion or giving up spontaneity.
The Department of State provides a form, called a Request for Driver Evaluation (OC- 88), that can be completed and submitted to the Driver Assessment Section to request a review of an individual's driving skills.
This form is available at your local Secretary of State branch office or online
at https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ OC-88_16727_7.pdf. The OC-88 form will ask you for information about the driver and the incident or pattern of behavior that justifies an evaluation. You will also be required to include your name, address, telephone number and sig- nature. This information will remain confiden- tial to the extent permitted by law.
ing to be a driver in exchange for a meal out. • There are senior ride programs and other tra- ditional paid transportation options. Discover
You may also write a letter to the
Publisher’s note: For additional information call the Traffic Safety Programs Division at (517) 335-7051 or reach out to the Michigan Secretary of State at 888-SOS-MICH (888- 767-6424) or www.Michigan.gov/sos.
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Senior Times - June 2023 Page 21
HELP LOVED ONE GIVE UP CAR KEYS
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Given the choice, most of us will want
to live right where we have memories with friends and loved ones. But when challenges result that impact health and safety, looking
to alternative solutions and choices becomes a necessity. Maybe you are even considering a move for a loved one because you believe it’s time to give up their vehicle but are having dif- ficulty with the decision. The good news is that you do not have to make that decision alone.
Department of State at the following address: Driver Assessment Section
Michigan Department of State
P.O. Box 30810
are concerned for the safety of other highway users, a referral to the Department of State is the responsible thing to do.
Lansing, MI 48909-9832
Your letter must include the name, birth
If driving privileges are revoked you can help them to realize that they can transition to a fun and fulfilling life without a car.
If the Department of State determines that a reexamination is necessary, the driver will be notified by mail. This notification will include the date, time, and location where the driver will report. Prior to receiving a Notice to Appear, the Department will mail a medical statement and/or vision statement to be com- pleted by a physician or eye specialist, respectively.
The reality is that your loved one will expe- rience a significant savings by retiring their vehicle, from upkeep and insurance to the cost of gas to fill the car. Selling, or donating, their vehicle may generate additional dollars to help with resolving the feeling of becoming a bur- den to others.
At the reexamination, the driver will be evaluated based upon the medical or vision statement, the completion of vision, road sign, knowledge, and on the road performance tests. A driver assessment analyst will determine if licensing controls are necessary and if it is nec- essary for the driver to appear for subsequent reexaminations. If needed, licensing controls may range from requiring special equipment and/or restricting driving times, to suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
public transportation for a new adventure with friends. A list of transportation options can be found on page 22.
While reporting an unsafe driver may seem drastic, in some cases it may be the only way to handle a serious situation. If you are con- cerned for the safety of a family member or friend who can no longer drive safely, or if you
driver to take you where you need to go, or on an adventure with friends.
Solutions to consider:
• Ask family and friends if they would be will-
• Look for services that cater to those who are no longer driving such as hair stylists and doctors who make house calls, and grocery stores and pharmacies that deliver.
• Carpooling isn’t just for kids.
• Dollars saved could even allow you to hire a