Safe Path
Driving Solutions
We’re dedicated to supporting safe, informed driving decisions with compassion and expertise, while providing expert guidance every step of the way.
Our Mission
At Safe Path Driving Solutions, we understand the importance of driving. Driving often represents independence, freedom, and a sense of self. We also recognize the concerns of families, physicians, and licensing agencies when individuals face physical or cognitive changes. Our aim is to keep safe drivers independent while supporting individuals when the time comes to retire from driving.
Evaluation Process
We conduct comprehensive driving evaluations consisting of both in-home and behind the wheel portions. The evaluation is performed by an Occupational Therapist and Driving Rehab Specialist with over 12 years of clinical and in-home experience.
The Evaluation Includes:
Safe Path Driving Solutions’ services include a clinical evaluation usually done in the home and a behind the wheel evaluation performed in the evaluator’s vehicle, which is equipped with a safety passenger brake and additional mirrors to ensure the individual’s safety.
Vision Assessment
When driving, not only is it important to clearly see what is ahead of you, but also to complete mirror checks to know what is on either side and behind you.
Range of Motion
When driving, you need to move your neck and trunk to operate different components of the car. This includes checking mirrors, turning the wheel, shifting gears, and pressing the foot pedals.
Strength Testing
Coordination
Adequate strength for basic operational functions of vehicle including turning the steering wheel and pressing the gas and brake pedal.
Ability to coordinate timing of gas and brake and more complicated tasks such as managing windshield wipers and turn signals while maintaining lane positioning on road.
Reaction Time
When driving, situations change in the blink of an eye. A driver must be able to quickly react to these changes.
Cognitive Assessment
Driving is a complex task that requires much more than simply making the vehicle start, stop and turn. Driving requires remembering rules of the road, directions, anticipating behaviors of other drivers and quickly reacting to situational changes.
*Additional evaluation tools are often used and are tailored to address specific concerns.
Post-Evaluation Recommendations
Once the comprehensive driving evaluation is completed, we provide recommendations to the individual, family, physician, and state licensing agency regarding the individual’s driving risk and fitness to drive.
At Safe Path Driving Solutions, we prioritize safety above all else, but we do not take the recommendation to retire from driving lightly. We understand the impact that no longer driving has on an individual's ability to meet physical and social needs. This recommendation is handled delicately and professionally, accompanied by suggestions for community and family resources to support the client’s needs.
Who often needs driving evaluations?
Older Adults:
Driving evaluations for older adults are often needed due to the natural age-related changes that can affect cognitive and physical abilities, such as diminished reaction time, vision changes, or other health conditions. These evaluations help ensure that older adults are still able to drive safely or determine if driving modifications or alternatives are necessary.
Individuals with Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Brain Injury:
Driving evaluations for individuals with these conditions may be needed due to challenges related to focus, impulse control, sensory processing, and anxiety. For example, individuals with ADHD may struggle with attention and impulsivity while driving, while those with ASD may face difficulties with cues, navigating complex traffic situations, or sensory needs. A driving evaluation helps assess whether modifications or training are needed to enhance driving safety.
Testimonials
Hamilton County BMV Mandated Low Vision
Bartholomew County Family Requested
“This experience has been wonderful not just because I was able to get my license again, but because of your guidance throughout the whole ordeal. Your whole demeanor puts everyone at ease. It brought the stress level down and enables the person to do their best”
“I want to thank you for helping us to navigate the maze with the BMV. The day I contacted you it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I had a clear direction from you on how to proceed and assist my husband so he would have the opportunity to redeem his license. My husband is so excited that he passed his test and will be able to drive again”
Marion County BMV Mandated Low Vision
Johnson County BMV Mandated
“I appreciate your kindness throughout this ordeal. I know it was difficult to tell my sister that she was unsafe to drive, but your complete evaluation, explanation and reasoning helped her to understand that it was time.”
“I was a nervous wreck to do this evaluation, but you put me right at ease. I really felt like I was able to do my best. Thank you for walking me through this process. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders!”
Safety First, Dignity Always
If you answered yes to any of the following, give me a call at (317) 426-6742
Are you concerned that the driver shouldn’t be driving anymore?
Did the driver fail the vision screening at the BMV?
Does the driver get lost or confused when driving?
Does the driver struggle to look from side mirror to side mirror?
Has the driver had a close call or a minor crash in the last two years?
Does the driver struggle to focus while driving?
Does the driver avoid driving during certain weather conditions or lighting?
Does the driver have any updated features or additional equipment in the vehicle needed to drive?
Contact Us
At Safe Path Driving Solutions, we’re here to guide you and your loved ones through every step of the driving evaluation process. Whether you have questions about our services, need more information on what to expect, or are ready to schedule an evaluation, our team is just a message or phone call away. We understand that this is a sensitive journey, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, professional support. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’re here to help you and your loved ones make safe, informed decisions.
*Contact for pricing and quotes
We’re Local
Safe Path Driving Solutions
Servicing Counties: Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Ripley, Rush, and Shelby
*Additional areas may be available
Get To Know The Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
After growing up in Florida, Mary Alice earned a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University in 2012. She has spent much of her career in a home health setting where she repeatedly heard clients tell her their goal was to return to driving. She went on to pursue many courses, continuing education training and mentorships to earn the ability to become a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. She then founded Safe Path Driving Solutions out of her love of seeing clients excel in their local environment so that they can thrive in independence. When she is not driving or talking about driving, she loves to spend time with her family outdoors, sit in the sunshine, drink copious amounts of hot tea, crochet, sew and read.
