Take a Test Drive
A driving rehabilitation program can ease your effort and increase your safety on the road.
If stiff joints keep you from getting behind the wheel, a driving rehabilitation program can put you back in the driver’s seat and remain there safely for years to come.
Holly Alexander, an occupational therapist, helped organize such a program at Fox Rehabilitation in Cherry Hill, NJ. “Rehabilitative driving programs are designed to keep drivers safe and help people who may, for example, have trouble grasping the wheel or looking over their shoulder,” she says.
First, ask your primary doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist who is a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. The specialist will visit you at home to review your driving knowledge and reaction time, and to conduct a behind-the-wheel assessment using a specially equipped training car. The specialist may recommend occupational or physical therapy, or adaptive techniques or devices. If needed, your therapist also will recommend where to get an assistive device installed, as well as to teach you how to use the device and do a final inspection of the installation.
Answer these questions to find out if a specialist can help you, and learn solutions to common driving challenges:
Q: Is it tough to turn the key?
Solution: A therapist can provide exercises to strengthen hand muscles, says Alexander. Or, trade in your car keys for a keyless fob and starter that remotely unlocks your car and starts the engine.
Q: Have trouble grasping and turning the steering wheel?
Solution: A therapist can also teach you alternative ways to steer, either with your palms placed loosely on the steering wheel with your fingers extended or by adjusting the position of your grip. “Instead of holding your hands at the 10-and-2 o’clock position, try holding your hands at 5-and-7 o’clock,” says Alexander.
Q: Is it too painful to turn your head to view blind spots?
Solution: “With the proper mirror attachment, you can see blind spots by simply shifting your eyes,” says Alexander.
Q: Have problems pushing the pedals?
Solution: “If someone has trouble with the right leg but not the left leg, for example, a left foot accelerator can be installed in the vehicle to allow them to use the stronger leg,” says Alexander. Or, hand controls can be installed so the driver can accelerate and brake using a lever much like cruise control.
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