Driving a regular car? - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

lauriejacknseth · 06-03-2005, 12:56 PM

Hi, sort of a lurker here. My son Seth will be two this month. He was diagnosed with CP about 6 months ago so I am still getting used to things and I will have these sudden 'lightbulb' moments on occasion and wanted to ask about this on. Seth has spaciticy/dystonia (something!) in both legs but much more in his right leg. He doesn't appear to be cognitively affected (that we can tell) and he is a genrally happy, active little guy. His fine motor is good and he seems to operate prety well with both arms and hands.

My lightbulb was "OH, I guess he'll always have to have an adapted car." Is that true pretty much? I dont see how he could ever drive safely with all that increased tone in his legs.

So what are the guidelines for that? Anyone here drive an unadapted car or if an adapted one.. what is that like? How hard is it?

Thanks for your insights,
Laurie (mom to Jackson and Seth)

JellyRJFan · 06-03-2005, 07:54 PM

Hi Laurie!

I drive a regular automatic car with standard controls/pedals and such. I haven't had much trouble aside from my occasional moments, though driving does make me tired and stiff. However, I don't have dystonia, and I could see how that might be a problem for Seth down the road. Maybe when the time comes you should call your local UCP office and they can set Seth up with a driving eval to see what he'll need.

edited to add that I have spastic quad CP

NJenn · 06-03-2005, 10:04 PM

Laurie,

I have spastic diplegia. I can drive using my feet if I absolutely have to, but I have to do it two-footed. I much prefer using hand controls--it requires less thought, isn't exhausting, and I'm sure it's safer. It's a very natural feeling, as the control has the same tactile feedback/sensation as the pedal. Any car with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes can be equipped with hand controls. Parts and labor are a little over $1,000 to have them professionally installed. The three major car companies offer $1,000 reimbursement for installation of equipment on any new vehicle (purchased or leased). I'm car shopping right now, and see a 2005 Impala in my future...

A car with hand controls can also be driven using the pedals. In fact, I insist that when other people drive my car that they use the pedals. Just because it's easy for me, doesn't mean that it's easier for someone else. Since one hand is always on the control, that leaves only one hand on the wheel. So, you have to have a spinner knob. They're illegal for everyone, except those of us who drive with adapted equipment! I mounted mine at 5 o'clock, and it really cuts down on hand and elbow fatigue.

It's nice to hear that you are thinking of these things now. I think the biggest hurdle, moreso than the equipment, is getting the teenager (and yourself) mentally ready to let him operate that 2 ton piece of machinery. My folks flipped out on me. They bought the car, equipped it, and then refused to let me learn how to drive. To this day, I'm not sure why it happened like that, but I'm sure their fear and apprehension was a huge part of the equation. It's hard to let kids go, but even harder when that child has a disability. I remember being very afraid that I would be involved in an accident and end up in worse physical shape than I already am. I think CP has made me a very cautious, defensive driver. The independence that driving brings is so important. I would argue that learning to drive has a greater impact of the life of the disabled driver than it does on your average AB driver.

I think it's great that you are asking these sorts of questions now!

Nicki

Hope25 · 06-04-2005, 11:30 AM

[QUOTE=NJenn]Laurie,

I'm car shopping right now, and see a 2005 Impala in my future...

A car with hand controls can also be driven using the pedals. In fact, I insist that when other people drive my car that they use the pedals. Just because it's easy for me, doesn't mean that it's easier for someone else.

NJenn,

I have been really in need of a car too...I feel as I'm getting older I find it that I'm more anxious about driving (I'm 28)
My father insists that I get a "regular" car, as that he says my cp is so small that is not considered "handicapped." The only thing is, is that I'm a lefty and I feel my left foot is more "responsive" and it is better that I use it to drive. I guess everything is a matter of practice, however I really would feel more secure if the petal was on the left. Or maybe have them on the wheel...anyway, could you please tell me how I can go about looking into getting a license? How did you first learn to drive?

Midget · 06-05-2005, 02:18 AM

Like others have said, getting an evaluation done is the best way to know if he's going to need hand controls when the time comes. I haven't got my liscense yet, but I got an eval, and I don't need hand controls...so I've been driving with my dad and I hope to have my liscense in the next few months.

I kinda want to try hand controls just to see what it's like.