Driver Mental Fitness

[jonny-chicken]

Good Afternoon All,

I've come across a problem that I'm not sure how to handle and thought I should ask for some advice from the group.

I have concerns about a certain driver's mental capacity to continue to drive safely.

He is older but not ancient... He hasn't had any claims or accidents or unexplained damage...

But he is forgetting things that seem strange and out of place. Last month he lost his fuel card and was issued a new one, then lost that one within a day, was issued a new one, and ultimately lost that one as well. Seems like he has figured out how to keep track of it now, but it seemed odd to me.

He also seems to have forgotten a few conversations we have had with him, just an hour or so after having the conversation. This has happened multiple times over the past year.

If his physical abilities were the problem, I might ask for a letter from his doctor to confirm he is physically fit for duty. However, I'm not exactly sure how that goes when talking about mental abilities.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Jokes and hilarious comments are also appreciated as always! haahahaa...

Thanks!

 

[loaders]

Whatever you can do legally, you should do it immediately, both for his sake and that of your company. Knowingly keeping someone on the road when you already have concerns about their fitness to operate a motor vehicle, could expose you to additional liability in the tragic event of an accident. Maybe start with a conversation with the employee and be honest and forthcoming about your concerns. Who knows, maybe he has noticed his absentmindedness.

 

[MLCAR]

As loaders said have the conversation with him, could be something external (problems at home) or just his overall health. Quick story with one of our guys, had an awesome experience with him from the start, very professional, would always go above and beyond what needed to be done, overall just a great dude. Some years later his behavior started to change a bit, would be much more quiet around everyone, would be quick to frustration over very minor things etc. Sat down with him to figure out what's on his mind and I'm glad we did! He was complaining about having headaches at the time, so we took him off the road and told him to go get himself checked out.... long story short he had a growth in his brain that was starting to develop, luckily it was early on and they were able to remove it without surgery and save his life! He sold his truck and doesn't drive anymore but we still keep in touch.
Either way trust your gut! take him off the road have a conversation, maybe have him go see a doctor as well. Too many times we ignore our health and others, when its ultimately the most important thing. Hope it all works out.

 

[Igor Galanter]

Sad..Unfortunately, ilness doesn't pick and choose... For everyone wellbeing, it's s time to ask politely to seek medical check up in particular field of expertise, based on situations happened already...
Good luck with that and keep us posted, J-C !

If his bi-annual medical exam doesn't show any limitations, than follow my and others above, advice

 

[Dario]

Jonny-chicken, I commend you on your vigilance and concern. It is a tricky and delicate subject, however, it would be good to sit down with the driver and share your concerns and observations with him. It could be the onset of many different things to which I can't even begin to list. Tell the driver you are concerned for his health and well-being and would feel more at ease if he saw a doctor or cognitive specialist to make sure that he is ok.

 

[misto27]

Had a similar situation in the past. At a point, driver went out of the yard with his trailer and a couple of streets down, he ' forgot ' he had a trailer, thought he was bobtail....That could have been catastrophic but fortunately, only material damages. But yes, if you are worried enough to seek advice, it means it needs to be addressed very quickly. Make sure tho to not meet him alone. Since you don't know what the outcome will be or the problem is, he might want to do legal trouble to your company so, having a witness helps.
Experience talking.

 

[Michael Ludwig]

Adding to other's advice ... schedule a meeting and have is wife/SO/one of his kids present as well if you can. Maladies of the brain are nothing to trifle with.