When a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is compromised due to various factors such as age, health, etc. It is a significant risk not only to that individual but others on the road. In Michigan, there are many procedures put in place to report unsafe driving and initiate a driver assessment– which is the process of reexamining drivers with reasonable cause and revoking driving privileges if needed. To ensure the roads stay safe from drivers that create risk for many people, Michigan has made it possible to report unsafe driving and request a driver’s assessment.
How to Report an Unsafe Driver:
Before reporting someone for unsafe driving, it is important to recognize signs of an unsafe driver. Common signs of unsafe/irresponsible driving are frequent near-missions or collisions, aggressive driving, and confusion while driving.
Once the unsafe driver is identified, Michigan allows you to report this concern to the Secretary of State. To do so, you must complete a Request for Driver Evaluation (DA-88) Form. This form can be downloaded from the Michigan Secretary of State website. To complete the form, you must provide the driver’s name, address, and license number (if known). There is also a section to describe which unsafe behaviors the driver portrayed and why they should be evaluated. The requester must provide contact information or the request will not be processed, however, requests by private citizens will be kept confidential.
Once the form is completed, it can be emailed, faxed (517-335-2189), or mailed to the Driver Assessment Section at P.O. Box 30810, Lansing, MI 48909-9832. All contact information is available on the Michigan Secretary of State website. The department will then mail correspondence confirming the Request for Driver Evaluation to schedule the driver for a reexamination to the requestor.
What is the Driver Assessment Process?
During the assessment, the driver may be required to undergo a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. In some cases, a medical or physiological evaluation may be required if health issues are a concern. To prepare for such tests, the driver can review the Secretary of State’s What Every Driver Must Know guide. The Driver Assessment analyst will discuss any concerns, the Michigan Driving Record, and their review of any medical forms if needed. They will also discuss concerns related to driving behavior, traffic safety, and areas of the Michigan Vehicle Code and administrative rules that apply to the driver’s situation. Once the examination is complete, the Driver Assessment will present an Order of Action that summarizes the examination and goes over any license restrictions imposed.
If the driver disagrees with the outcome of the assessment they may appeal the decision within 14 days of the reexamination. This may be completed online using DAIS– the Driver Appeals Integrated System. The driver may set up an account for DAIS following the instructions on the Secretary of State’s website.
Conclusion
Reporting an unsafe driver can be a difficult decision, however, it is crucial to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Michigan’s Driver Assessment process gives both the requester and driver rights and freedom making it a fair evaluation on both ends. If you observe an unsafe driver on the road, taking action by reporting them to the Michigan Secretary of State can help prevent potential accidents.