|
Driving and Brain Injury - Fact Sheet
 For many people with acquired brain injury, returning to driving represents
a major goal. The inability to drive can lead to a loss
of independence, self-reliance and mobility within the community. Various
effects of acquired brain injury may interfere with a person’s ability to learn
to drive or return to driving after an accident.
The  Cognitive, perceptual and
physical problems which may impair your driving skills include:
- Reduced reaction time
- Fatigue
- Epilepsy or other medical issues e.g. particular types of
medication
- Sensory impairment e.g. loss of hearing or vision
- Auditory and visuo-spatial deficits e.g. neglect
- Poor concentration
- Disorientation and memory problems
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Impulsivity and poor self-control
- Poor motor control and coordination
- Hemiplegia or Hemiparesis.
An individual with one or more of the
problems outlined above may still be assessed as capable of driving while
another individual with a set of different problems or circumstances may not
pass a driving assessment. Particular types of impairment (e.g. sensory and
motor) can be compensated for by specialised vehicle modifications. For
example, an individual with left-sided hemiplegia may be able to drive using a
modified vehicle adapted for right-sided functioning.
Assessment and licencing
The assessment of driving skills and safety
is extremely important due to the risk of accidents. Some people may be advised
not to drive after the accident and this decision may be reviewed following a
period of recovery and re-assessment. The decision about whether a person can
drive may be made by a number of people determined by the legislation in your
state.
Because each state has different
legislation, it is necessary to contact the licencing authority in your state
to find out the requirements for returning to driving following any major
injury or diagnosis, such as a brain injury or the development of epilepsy. You
may even have you licence confiscated by the hospital upon admission. For
example, in Queensland
you are required to notify Queensland Transport as soon as you become aware of
a medical condition which may impact upon your ability to drive.
In the circumstances where a driving
assessment is not compulsory it is recommended that individuals and family
members get advice regarding the need for a driving assessment from a doctor,
preferably a specialist such as a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Some individuals
make their own judgment that they are not safe enough to drive. This can
sometimes be because they have developed high levels of anxiety about driving
or being in a car as a result of a previous accident.
Self-care
Some general tips for making driving safer
and more enjoyable for people who are able to drive involve making some simple
decisions before getting in the car:
- Do I feel well enough or alert enough to drive today, or should
I use alternative transport?
- What is the best time for me to set out and come home?
- Can I handle the distance without undue fatigue?
- Do I have a clear idea of the most appropriate route to take?
- Has the car enough petrol, water, air in the tyres etc.?
Driver rehabilitation or retraining
programmes are often available. Such programmes may be conducted by major
rehabilitation hospitals, community-based rehabilitation services, driver
training schools or road and transport associations. Individuals are encouraged
to contact different places to enquire about features of the programme, referral
and eligibility requirements.
Alternatives
Buses, trains and taxis are all
alternatives to driving yourself, as is asking a mate or a family member for a
lift. However, trains and buses can be inconvenient as well as hostile places
if you have a visible disability or find it difficult to cope with crowds, and taxis
very quickly become very expensive.
Some other options include:
- For transport to and from shopping, HACC services may be able
to assist you. Contact the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 to
discuss options.
- If you live in Brisbane,
the Brisbane City Council offers subsidised taxi fares for $1.50 to your
nearest shopping centre through Yellow Cabs. For more information,
including terms and availability in your area, contact Yellow Cabs on 13
6294 or the Council on 3403 8888.
- If you need to travel to medical appointments and are in an
isolated area, the Medical Aid Subsidy Scheme of Queensland Health may be
able to assist you. Contact your local hospital for details, or ring 13
HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
- Queensland Transport runs a Taxi Subsidy Scheme for people with
severe disabilities, including considerable emotional distress and
cognitive disabilities as well as Seizure disorders, sensory and physical
disabilities. If you have a temporary disability, you can apply for
temporary membership. Contact the Scheme on 1300 134 755 for
information on registration.
If you have a pensioner concession or
health-care card, you should check for discounts every time you buy tickets or
request any service. The savings can be substantial.
Medications and driving
Medication can have a positive or negative
effect on driving ability. Some people, such as epileptics, may not be able to
drive at all without medication. A driver with untreated depression is at high
risk due to decreased concentration and slower decision making. However,
treatment may also carry a risk – 10 milligrams of diazepam can produce more
driving impairment than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10; twice the legal
limit in Queensland.
Drugs that slow you down also reduce your
ability to make decisions and process information rapidly. People taking
painkillers which contain codeine or propoxyphene may experience sedation and
mild impairment. Even over-the-counter drugs can reduce driving ability.
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and poor concentration. Tranquilizers or
cold remedies, such as cold tablets, cough syrup, and sleeping pills, can
reduce driving ability.
Most people do not discuss their
over-the-counter drugs with their doctor. Combinations of drugs can produce
unexpected side effects and bad reactions. If you have more than one doctor
prescribing medications without knowing what the others are prescribing, or if
your doctor does not know about the over-the-counter drugs you are taking, you
could be in danger.
Alcohol has a powerful impact on the body,
physically and psychologically. With age, tolerance for alcohol decreases
steadily, and the body processes it less efficiently. Combining alcohol with
medications is risky whether or not you are behind the wheel. For instance, it
can lead to falls. The only safe practice is to avoid alcohol completely if
there is any chance that you will have to drive.
Impaired driving, whether due to
medications, alcohol or a combination, is not only dangerous and socially
unacceptable. It is also a criminal offence in Queensland. It is also a significant
problem. In September 1998, Queensland Transport surveyed 400 Queensland residents about their attitudes
towards road safety, including driving behaviours. Of those surveyed:
- 17 per cent said they obtain medicine from their doctor or
pharmacist without asking if it will Affect driving ability.
- 4 per cent said they drive when they have recently consumed
prescribed medication that could affect driving ability.
- 2 per cent said they drive when they have recently consumed
recreational drugs like cannabis.
Driving is a complicated task, so don't let
yourself be impaired by any kind of medication, including over-the-counter
drugs and herbal or alternative remedies.
- Take all medications according to the instructions.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the effects of prescribed
medications on driving, and whether even a small amount of alcohol will
increase the effect.
- Make sure the combination of your medications does not impair
your driving skills. If you have more than one doctor, make sure all of
them know everything you are taking.
- Never mix medications, share them with another person, or take
them in combination with alcohol.
- If the label says "Do not use while operating heavy
machinery" let someone else drive. With some medications, you may not
be able to drive at all. If in doubt, choose not to drive
Should you choose to drive whilst impaired
by a prescription medication you are committing an offence
Further information
|
Driving and brain injury 
