| According to Karl Hoffman, driving specialist, “most driving difficulties that seniors have can be adjusted or compensated for. Even those relating to a physical limitation due to stroke or injury.” Seniors, for example, often have a diminished ability to glance over their shoulder before turning or changing lanes. This significantly increases their risk of having an accident. Another common problem is not being able to distinguish shapes, like stop signs, if presented with certain background clutter. Not seeing a stop sign is an obvious danger to you, other drivers and pedestrians. These, and other common limitations, can be overcome with extra training, additional mirrors, or mechanical helps. Keeping seniors on the road and safe is what Karl does best.
 Driving is an important aspect of living independently. If we can’t drive how will we get out to the store? Visit our relatives? Get out to socialize? It is difficult to understand the importance of driving until we risk losing the ability.
What if your vision is diminished? What if you have a stroke and limited ability to move your head? How can you stay safely on the the road?
Bon Secours’ new driving program offers help to keep drivers on the road safely. The program has both on-the-road and classroom training and evaluation.
DePaul is certified by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles as a state certified commercial driving school. The occupational therapist conducting the program is a licensed Commercial Driving Instructor and is recognized by the Association of Driving Educators for the Disabled as a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist.
Karl Hoffman will be a featured speaker at the Successful Aging Conference. To register, call 889--5976. To learn more about the Driving Program at DePaul, call 889-4999.
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