Driving is a complex skill that requires cognitive and physical fitness. The Occupational Therapy Association estimates that a person operating a motor vehicle makes approximately 25 decisions within one mile of driving. Driver fitness plays a critical role in driver safety. Providers, law enforcement, families, and neighbors also play an important role. Medical conditions, functional impairments, even certain medications may affect a person’s ability to operate safely. Since Massachusetts is a “self-reporting” state, it is critical to understand who has the authority to report an unsafe driver and to be aware of the legal ramifications for the provider, police officer, family member, or neighbor who files a report. This track will discuss reporting procedures, demonstrate techniques to identify at-risk drivers, and will provide the tools necessary to assess, understand, counsel, and report unsafe drivers.

View the full conference schedule here.

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Medical Track
2015
Tuesday, June 16th
9:30 AM

Plenary Session I – Medical Track: Identifying Medically At-Risk Drivers

Janet Jankowiak, (Moderator)
Brian Ott, Brown University & Rhode Island Hospital
Ann Hollis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Elin Schold-Davis, American Occupational Therapy Association
Eugene Scanzera, (Discussant) Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan

Ballroom C, Campus Center, University of Massachusetts Boston

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

11:00 AM

Plenary Session II – Medical Track: Substance and Medication Use

Mary Maguire, (Moderator) AAA Northeast
Michele Matthews, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Science
Stephen J. Walsh, Lieutenant, Massachusetts State Police
Joanne Thomka, National District Attorneys Association

Ballroom C, Campus Center, University of Massachusetts Boston

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

2:15 PM

Plenary Session III – Medical Track: Reporting At-Risk Drivers to MassDOT Medical Advisory Board

Michele Ellicks, (Moderator) Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Marjorie Weinberger, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
James Ellison, Harvard Medical School
Debra Kerrigan, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Jatin Dave, Tufts Health Plan

Ballroom C, Campus Center, University of Massachusetts Boston

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM