Question about my grandfather and his revoked license?

Question

If this seems long, I'd like to apologize, but there seems to be a real problem.

My grandfather is 85 years old with advanced dementia. He's been is several fender-benders over the past three years, and it seems like not matter what we do, we can't take this man off the road. My family really concerned about his well-being and for others in case he does get into another fender bender, and seriously hurts or even kills himself or someone else.

The last wreck he was in, my mother was driving home from work and saw that my grandfather (her dad) was involved. She told the police officer on the scene that he's been through several wrecks, and she wondered if there was any way to get his license revoked. The officer told her that the only way he could get it revoked was to get the state involved. So she inquired about the revocation through the state, and it seems to take a very long time for that motion to come through. 

When my grandfather got the letter from the state in the mail, he blew a gasket. After some arm twisting (not literally), and squabbles between him, my mom and my uncle, my grandfather decided to take this to court. Before this all happened, my grandfather had some tests done for his cognitive abilities. The tests came back showing that he has poor cognitive judgement, and it was recommended that he should not be driving a vehicle.

On the court date, the judge told my mom that he would need a second opinion froma  doctor about his cognitive impairment(s). During that time he was asked by the state to turn in his drivers license. He did that but he was STILL driving his car. It got to the point where my uncle had to disable his car by taking the battery out of it so he couldn't drive.

Yesterday my grandfather and uncle got into a huge fight, and it turns out that my uncle put the battery back into the car, and of course my grandfather is driving again without a license. We can't take the car from him because that's considered theft, and we can't sell the car because it's not in our mom's or uncle's name. My grandfather threatened my uncle with the police for vandalizing his car for taking the battery out. After the wrecks, the license revocation, and the second opinon from the doctor, it just seems like we can't get this man off the road.

We are not trying to be mean to him, even though he thinks we are. But we're just concerned about the fact that he could seriously injure or kill himself or someone else if he gets into a wreck. My grandfather also has a bad heart, and we're afraid of what might happen if he were to get pulled over by the police and he didn't have his license. My mom doesn't want to threaten him with the police because we just don't want to scare him. Is there anything else we can possibly do? If so, should the police get involved at this point now if we know that he's driving? Would this be the matter for the police in his community to handle, or should this be handled by the state police? Thank you for taking the time to read my question. I hope there's something more we as a family can do.

? · Accepted Answer

Your story will have a horrible ending unless someone in the family calls the police when he leaves in the car, gives the tag number, color of the car, location he just left from and probable destination.  He will be arrested, charged with driving without a license and advised that the court could require him to do jail time.   His medical condition makes him a menace to others using the highway.  I know no one in your family wants the death of an innocent driver, pedestrian or a family of four on their conscience.  He has a bad heart and that coupled with a high stress situation while driving could result in a heart attack resulting in a fatal accident that could kill him and others.  Perhaps a consultation with your local police chief on this whole situation could get his vehicle impounded.  I have investigated at least seven accidents where the responsible driver, with some type of debilitating impairment. didn't take his medication or forgot his oxygen breathing device which caused him to black out and strike the vehicle in front of him.  Thank God the damage was slight, the speeds slow and the passengers, one time two little children, were not injured.  I filled out a "request for retest" of their drivers licenses citing their disabilities and failure to take medication and submitted them to the department of motor vehicles.  Three out of the seven lost their license to drive in the state. I'm sorry but drastic action must be taken now.  Any delay enables him to continue.

? · Answer

Walking and using don't have anything to do with every different. If you could have stated it to his principal healthcare professional, then you could have performed your obligation. If his health practitioner says he's are compatible to force, he's are compatible to force. You can ship a letter to the DMV in Wisconsin, and they may be able to touch the healthcare professional for an comparison. You cannot call for his licence be revoked, it should be for scientific causes, proven deficient eyesight, or a worsening using list. But you'll be able to categorical hindrance to the DMV, that's the right factor for a household to do.

Genegee · Answer

You grandfather is a rolling accident looking for a wreck. He needs to be stopped at all cost. Do you have any ides how he can destroy the family with a law suit it will be an automatic win for who ever he hits. You insurance has a limit and that is all it pays if the suit is over that limit you and the rest of the family has to pay. think about it. Have you ever though of hiding the keys, letting the air out of the tires, pulling the spark plug wires. In some states driving with a re voked license means jail time. check it out. If he was my dad l much rather see him in jail then killing someone without a license.

Jaymee · Answer

You should have just destroyed the car!!!!!!!!!!! Now you involved the courts in your family affairs how dumb is your family?????? Some dirty old guy in a dress telling you and your family what to do makes no sense!!!! You are funked! Cause now your grandfather will prolly get locked up for driving without a liscense THANKS FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!

Poppy · Answer

I've been through this twice before. disable the car, I mean remove wires, battery. Get them far away from him. Do this after explaining that he would not want to mame or kill anyone with his limited abilities. Your family will of course be responsible for seeing that food is in the house and appointments are met. Let him call the cops about the disabled car, if he is caught driving, the cops will have to deal with him, not pleasant for all involved. Tough love is needed at these times.

me · Answer

Terrible time for the family here I'm so so sorry. Same thing happened with my dad...Fortunately he blew his car up (killed the motor) problem solved. As horrible as it sounds your uncle was on the right track. You need to stealthly disable the car if he deals with a repair shop let them know what;s going on. Disable something not so obvious as the battery...for instance pull the plugs. He won't be able to get another car without the license...

Also..as small a consolation as this is as his disease progresses he will not remember this...you are right to keep innocent people and him safe.

And yes it's time to get power of attorney.

Pearls Before Swine · Answer

Someone in your family should be able to a get a power of attorney which allows them to legally make decisions for your grandfather (if your uncle is your grandfather's son, he's probably the right person). This shouldn't be hard since your grandfather has already been found to have cognitive problems.

Once that person has the legal authority, they should disable his car or take it away. Of course your grandfather will be upset - he may even die because of it - but that is preferable to him dying AND injuring or killing others.

Talk to an attorney to find out how to do this, and do it soon.

? · Answer

Your parents disable granddad's car.  Pull the spark plugs, rotor, hoses and belts.  Tell Grand dad the parts are on order.  Even if the Motor Vehicles pulls his driver's license that will not stop him.
Your parents can be sued for knowingly allowing granddad to drive.

Hey Ya · Answer

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Question about my grandfather and his revoked license?

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