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HOW TO REFER AN UNSAFE DRIVER

If you are concerned for the safety of a family member, friend, or other person who can no longer drive safely, you may write to your local Driver Safety Office or the address given below. The form is also available online. Provide the person’s name, birth date, driver license number and current address, and explain what you observed that led you to believe the person is an unsafe driver. The letter must be signed; however, you may request that your name be kept confidential.

Mail your letter to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Safety Actions Unit M/S J234
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

DMV will contact the person for a reexamination and he or she could be suspended depending on the person’s driving record. A driving test will be given to any person when a:

• Physician reports the person has lapses of consciousness.
• Traffic officer requests a DMV review and the officer believes the driver is incapable of operating a vehicle safely.
• Relative makes a good-faith report to DMV stating the driver cannot safely operate a vehicle.

VISION

You need good vision to drive safely. Most of what you do behind the wheel is based on what you see. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot judge distances or spot trouble, so you won’t be able to do something about it. You need to see “out of the corner of your eye.” This lets you spot cars creeping up on either side of you while your eyes are on the road ahead.

You may see clearly and still not be able to judge distances. Good distance judgment is important to know how far you are from other cars. Many people who may see clearly in the daytime have trouble at night. Some see poorly in dim light. Others may have trouble with the glare of headlights.

It is important to have your eyes checked every year or two. You may never know about poor peripheral vision or poor distance judgment unless your eyes are checked.

HEARING

Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. Your hearing can warn you of danger—the sound of horns, a siren, or screeching tires. Sometimes you can hear a car that you cannot see because it is in your blind spot.

Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio, CD, or tape deck is blaring. While driving, don’t wear a headset or earplugs in both ears. It is against the law.

Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that you do not notice them. Drivers who know they are deaf or hearing-impaired can adjust. They can learn to rely more on their seeing habits. A right hand rear view mirror on the vehicle will help.

ALERTNESS

When you are tired, you are less alert. The body naturally wants to sleep at night and most drivers are less alert at night, especially after midnight. You may not see hazards as soon or react as quickly, so the chance of a crash is greater. If you are sleepy, the only safe cure is to get off the road and get some sleep.

To keep from getting tired on a long trip:

• Get a lot of rest before you start—at least a normal night’s sleep.
• Don’t take any drugs that can make you drowsy—even the night before you start.
• Don’t drive long hours. Driving straight through can be dangerous if you are tired and sleepy.
• Try not to drive late at night. Your body is used to going to sleep at that time.
• Take regular rest stops, even if you are not tired.
• Keep shifting your eyes from one part of the road to another. Look at objects near and far, left and right.
• Try chewing gum or singing along with the radio.
• Roll your window down and get some fresh air in your face.
• If you are tired all the time and fall asleep often during the day, you should have your physician check for a sleep disorder.

MEDICATIONS

It is important to remember that all medications, prescription and over-the-counter, are potentially dangerous.

Over-the-counter medicines that you take for colds and allergies can make you drowsy and affect your driving ability. Carefully read and follow the directions about dosage and side effects. Pay close attention to warnings about continued dosage and who should and should not take the medication.

Under no circumstances should you mix medications unless directed by your physician.

Never take medications prescribed for someone else.

Do not mix alcohol with your medications. This applies to both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

If you must take medication before driving, find out the effects of the medication from your physician or pharmacist. Remember—even though you may feel fine, you may not be totally free of the adverse effects that can affect your driving. It is your responsibility to know the effects of the medications you take.

HEALTH AND EMOTIONS

Whether you are calm, nervous, or hot-tempered, your personality affects the way you drive. Don’t let your emotions interfere with safe driving. Use all the good judgment, common sense, courtesy, and safe driving rules that you can.

Some conditions, such as poor vision, heart problems, diabetes, or epilepsy may affect your driving. Discuss your condition with your physician and follow his or her advice. You should also let DMV know of any condition you have that might affect your ability to drive safely.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT

Health and Safety Code Section 103900 requires physicians and surgeons to report patients at least 14 years of age who are diagnosed as having a lapses of consciousness or dementia (mental disorders) conditions or related disorders.

Although not required by law, any other condition may be reported by physicians when they believe a patient cannot drive safely because of a medical condition.

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