United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi folks,

Michael here - right arm BPI. Would be interested in hearing from everyone regarding driving with injury. Had the motorcycle injury, so getting back on a bike is totally out of the question for quite some time. Especially as far as my parents are concerned. Would be interested in knowing how you coped with driving a car. Anything that I should know that will help me get mobile again. Not sure what special requirements are needed here in Australia to drive a car with a BPI injury. Will look into that, but curious as to whether any special fittings are needed etc. Would like to hear your comments.

Regards Michael.

Hi Michael,

Newer model cars often have (as standard) signals & control buttons located on the steering wheel. Also (at least here in the States) there is a gizmo we affectionately call "necking knob", which is a rotating ball that clamps on the steering wheel. You can hold it to steer & it makes it much easier to execute turns - especially tight turns.

Not sure what the laws are in Australia. My son is 17, & last year he passed the driver's exam with his one hand & no "special" features on the car - and this is an older model that doesn't have anything on the steering wheel except the horn...

Good luck & keep us posted.

Ellen

Michael, have you talked at all withn Jamie? He is from Aussie and I am sure he would talk with you about it. As for me, I am in then states and have nothing on my car. I just drive like a 'normal' person but with one arm. If you are interested in talking to jamie let me know!!

Court xo

I'm in New Zealand, don't know if our laws are similar to yours over the ditch there. Here, it's the same as the UK, you can drive any car you like as long as you NEVER have to take your only working hand off the wheel to change gear, indicate, whatever. For me, that means an adaption for the indicators (just an arm extended so I can reach it from any position on the steering wheel)and a simple revolving ball to get round corners, and an automatic gearbox. I could manage without the indicator adaptor but if I had an accident and then it was found I had a paralysed arm and no adaptions, I would be found liable, even if I wasn't. Those steering balls with all the controls incorporated are very cool but too expensive for me, mine works just as well.
As most of us tbpi got the injury from people who were just not really paying attention while they were driving, I would never risk going out in a car without my adaptions now-even though I can control an auto fine. I just couldn't live with myself if I hurt someone else. If the guy who hit me had his hand off the wheel at the time I don't think I would have been as forgiving as I was.If you are in full control ALL of the time, you'll be fine, if not, look at some simple adaptions.
Here's a link to the tbpi website about adaptions, it's written from a UK point of view bt the steering ball info might be interesting. http://tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/vehicledvla.html
Happy driving!
Jen NZ

Hi Courtney

Would certainly be interested in talking to Jamie so if you could give me contact details it would be appreciated. thanks Michael.