The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is made up of a thick bundle of nerves. The nerves carry messages from our brain to the rest of our body. These messages help us to move our body, feel pressure and control vital functions like breathing, blood pressure, bladder and bowels. When the spinal cord is damaged, the communication between our brain and the rest of our body is disrupted, resulting in a loss of movement and sensation from below the level of injury. Damage to the spinal cord can be caused by a trauma like an accident, or as a result of infection or disease. The higher up you damage the spinal cord, the more movement and sensation will be lost.
It is important to be aware that the loss of movement and sensation will vary from person to person, even with those who have damaged their spinal cord in the same place.
It’s not an unrealistic goal to want to drive again after experiencing a spinal cord injury. Depending on the level of your injury, car adaptions in electric vehicles and the possibility of autonomous cars can give those wanting to drive with independence hope for the future.
Driving after a spinal cord injury can be a realistic recovery goal, depending on the severity and level of your injury. With the help of car adaptations, many individuals with spinal cord injuries can get on the road again and increase their independence.
Driving will never be the same.
Whilst the rules of the road remain the same, the way in which you interact with your vehicle and, therefore, the road itself, will be drastically different from what you may be used to. Depending on your specific injury and needs, the vehicle you drive may include, but not be limited to, any of the following:
· Hand controls for braking and accelerating;
· Power assist devices for easy steering;
· Touch ignition pads and gear shifts;
· Adjustable drivers’ seats;
· Joysticks or spinner knobs for those with limited hand function.
Whilst each of these controls needs to be learned and mastered before getting back on the road, they do demonstrate the wide range of adaptive controls and modifications that exist specifically for the benefit of people living with an SCI.
Driving with an SCI begins with evaluation.
The first step in the learning to drive again after sustaining an SCI is to get evaluated by a qualified driving instructor. Not only will they help you determine the proper driving setup and specific vehicle modifications and equipment necessary for your unique situation, but they’ll also assist in evaluating you on the below points, all of which are necessary for safe driving:
· Vision screening and muscle strength;
· Flexibility and range of motion;
· Hand-eye coordination and reaction time;
· Judgment and decision-making;
· Ability to handle adaptive equipment;
· Evaluation of any medications the driver takes or will take.
Of course, even after evaluation, you must adhere to national rules and regulations. Not all spinal cord injury sufferers will be eligible to drive again, purely because of the nature of their spinal cord injury and the lack of a distinctive cure. You will need a provisional or full driving licence in order to receive an on-the-road evaluation. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a provisional licence because of your disability. However, you may receive a restricted licence based on the adaptive devices you require.
If you have a spinal injury you must notify the DVLA and your insurer. An assessment will be required to determine what equipment would be needed to enable independent driving and vehicle access.