Checking if you're fit to drive after crash injuries
What a driver rehabilitation specialist looks at: ability, medicines and safety
You may feel ready to drive emotionally yet still lack the movement, vision, focus or reaction time that traffic demands. The opposite can happen too. Someone may be medically fit to drive but afraid to get behind the wheel. This article covers driving ability. Fear and confidence need their own care. A driver rehabilitation specialist looks at the real tasks of driving instead of judging readiness by courage. [1, 2]
What your injuries may change behind the wheel
Driving takes more than holding the steering wheel. You have to turn your head, scan the road, brake fast, judge gaps and handle several things at once. A cast, limited neck movement, dizziness or vision changes can get in the way. So can a concussion symptom or severe pain. Tell your clinician what kind of vehicle you drive and whether driving is part of your job. Ask for clear written advice about when you can drive again. [1, 2]
After a mild brain injury, the CDC urges caution when certain skills are affected. These include attention, reaction time and how fast you process information. A set number of days does not prove you’re fit to drive. Your clinician should weigh your real symptoms and what the trip will demand. [1]
Go over every medicine and combination
Some prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause sleepiness, blurry vision, dizziness or slower movement. These effects can last into the next day. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist when a new dose may affect your driving. Also ask whether another medicine or alcohol changes the risk. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own just so you can drive. [3, 4]
- Which of my medicines could affect driving, and how long after a dose?
- What should I do if I feel drowsy or foggy even though the label has no warning?
- If I must have transportation, can my treatment plan be safely adjusted?
What a driving evaluation can tell you
If the answer isn’t clear, ask about an evaluation by a driving specialist. An occupational therapist with driver rehab training may test your vision, physical ability, attention, decision making and reaction time. A full evaluation may include time on the road in a specially equipped vehicle. It can point out adaptations that would help. It can also show that you need more time to recover. [2, 5]
Bring up an evaluation especially if an injury has changed how you work the pedals or controls. The same goes for concentration problems that don’t fade. Qualified professionals should choose any adaptive equipment and teach you to use it. License rules and restrictions vary by state. [2, 5]
Line up rides while the answer is unclear
Set up rides to medical care, work and caregiving duties before the need becomes urgent. Ask a hospital social worker, your insurer, your employer or a local transportation service what help is available. Riding as a passenger keeps you connected to treatment. It doesn’t make your recovery any less independent. [6]
Don't use traffic to test yourself
One question for your clinician today
Ask the clinician treating you: “Which ability or restriction decides whether I may drive? Do I need a driver rehabilitation evaluation?” Write down the answer and when it should be reviewed.
Sources and further reading
- 1CDC: Managing return to activities
- 2AOTA: Driving rehabilitation assessment
- 3FDA: Medicines and driving
- 4NHTSA: Medicines and driving
- 5NHTSA: Adapted vehicles
- 6CDC: Recovery after mild TBI
This is general U.S. information from a driver rehabilitation point of view. It does not clear you to drive. Follow your clinicians, license requirements and local law.
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Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.
