Driving With a Disability - part 1

 

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, departments of motor vehicles cannot deny a person a driver’s license simply because of a disability. 

What are some disabilities that people drive with?

Many people with a disability can drive safely. The type and severity of a disability can determine whether driving is safe for you. These are some of the disabilities that people have who are still able to drive.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Individuals with mild cases of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) may still be able to drive. But as memory loss increases or decision-making skills deteriorate, they should stop driving. If you’re not sure about whether it’s safe for you or a loved one with dementia to drive, ask the patient’s doctor to make this determination.

Epilepsy

Each state has regulations on how a person with epilepsy can get a driver’s license. Many states require people with epilepsy to be seizure-free for a specific length of time and submit a physician’s evaluation of their ability to drive safely. Other common requirements include ongoing medical reports while they have their driver’s license. 

Hearing loss

Having any loss of hearing will affect your ability to hear your surroundings while driving, such as another vehicle honking or a train horn if you’re about to drive over train tracks. If you are hard of hearing, don’t drive if your doctor believes it would put you and others at risk for an accident. 

Paralysis

Paralysis may prevent a driver from controlling certain vehicle functions while driving, like steering or using the gas and brake pedals. However, modern assistive devices, such as foot wheels, are available to help overcome many situations. 

Reduced limb or finger function

It can be challenging for drivers to use a car’s control functions — such as the turn signal, windshield wipers, and cruise control — if they have reduced limb or finger function. Assistive tools, such as control extensions, can help make driving more accessible.

Weakened muscles

Those who have recently had a stroke may have weakened muscles and therefore may experience challenges with vehicle control functions. Depending on the level of weakness, assistive tools, such as a tri-pin steering device, may make driving more accessible.

Parkinson’s disease

People with Parkinson’s disease may have tremors and/or stiffness in their limbs, which can be a driving risk. People with Parkinson’s disease are often able to safely drive during the early stages of their diagnosis or if medications help control their symptoms, but as the disease progresses, their symptoms may become too severe for safe driving. 

Driving With Developmental Disabilities

It is becoming more common for people who have developmental disabilities to drive. Autism and ADHD are common disabilities that people have while still being able to drive safely. However, someone with a developmental disability should not drive if the symptoms of their disability can cause them to be at a higher risk for a vehicle crash.

Teens with developmental disabilities can learn how to drive, but parents should ensure they’re ready first. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recommends a few questions for parents to ask before deciding if their teen is ready:

• Do you believe your teen is consistently showing good judgment and maturity in social settings?
• How receptive is your teen to constructive criticism and instruction?
• How well does your teen show knowledge of the rules of the road and other skills taught in driver education classes?
• Does your teen agree to practice driving with a skilled adult before driving independently?
• Are there any medical or behavioral conditions that you believe may prevent your teen from being able to drive safely?
• Does your teen need any medical interventions to ensure safe driving behavior?

Autism

People with autism are still able to drive safely. In fact, a study from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Autism and Research and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention found that young drivers with autism were 45 percent less likely to be issued citations for a moving violation than the average for people of their age. 

Nonetheless, people with autism may experience some challenges while driving, including:

• Becoming easily distracted by things happening around them
• Having difficulty with hand-eye-foot coordination

Some driving instructors specialize in teaching people with autism how to drive and overcome some of their challenges. They suggest some simple tasks during driver training:

• Practicing the same skill many times
• Using driving simulation experiences such as video games to become familiar with vehicle controls and driving functions
• Identifying the specific areas the individual needs to work on to help them overcome their driving challenges. 

ADHD

People with ADHD are capable of driving. However, they can be easily distracted, act on impulse, and struggle to regulate their emotions. These characteristics have led teen drivers with ADHD to be more likely to engage in risky behavior while driving, such as not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, and driving while intoxicated. A Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia study found that teen drivers with ADHD were more likely to be issued traffic and moving violations or be involved in vehicle crashes.

Managing symptoms of ADHD is crucial for a person with ADHD to drive safely. People learning to drive while taking ADHD medication need to regularly check in with their doctor to make sure their medication is working properly.

If you believe you or your teen are ready to begin learning how to drive, consult with a driving instructor who is familiar with teaching individuals with ADHD how to drive. 

Driving With Physical Disabilities

People who are missing a limb or body part or have some form of paralysis are often able to find ways to drive safely. Additionally, those who have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury are often able to drive with accommodations. With the advancement of technology and new tools, modifications to vehicles are available for easier navigation and better accessibility so that people with various kinds of disabilities can safely operate a vehicle. 

Adaptive Equipment and Modifications

Some of the most common devices and hand control modifications that can make vehicles easier for people with physical disabilities include:

• Lift pedals: lifts that extend vehicle pedals to be closer to the driver’s body, making them easier to reach for drivers who have lost their foot or the lower part of their leg.
• Wheelchair lift: a mechanical device that raises a wheelchair from the ground and into the vehicle.
• Wheelchair securement: a tool that clips a wheelchair into the vehicle to keep it from moving around while driving.
• Foot wheels: a rotating wheel placed near the pedals that can be used by a person’s foot to steer the car, often used by someone who has lost the use of their upper body.
• Joysticks: allow people with limited hand or arm mobility to operate steering, brakes, and acceleration more easily.
• Left foot accelerator: an accelerator pedal placed on the left side of the brake for a driver that has lost the function of their right leg or foot.

• Turn signal adapter: allows the driver to control the turn signal from the top, bottom, or the opposite side of the steering wheel, for those who have limitations of hand or arm mobility.

• Steering ball: an extension of the steering wheel that makes it easier for the driver to steer while using just one arm. 

• Control extensions: small wheels placed on control buttons, such as windshield wipers or headlights, so that the driver can access these controls without having to bend their fingers. 

You will need to ensure that you’re trained to properly use your new adaptive equipment. A driver rehabilitation specialist can help you to learn to drive safely, whether you’re learning to drive for the first time with this equipment or are re-learning how to drive after losing some physical abilities.