A Parkinson’s diagnosis changes so many different aspects of your daily life and routine. One important area that could be affected is your ability to drive. However, since Parkinson’s can impact people in different ways and to varying degrees, a diagnosis doesn’t inherently mean you’re no longer capable of driving yourself around safely.
In fact, lots of people living with the condition continue to use their vehicle as normal for several years after a diagnosis, without there being a heightened risk to their or other road users’ safety. This gives them the opportunity to maintain their independence for longer and can be incredibly beneficial to all different aspects of both their physical and mental wellbeing.
However, there are some common signs that it may no longer be safe to drive yourself around. Here are some of the things that you or your loved ones should look out for when deciding whether or not to hand in your license.
Fatigue or excessive tiredness
Fatigue affects up to half of people living with Parkinson’s and it’s one of the symptoms that can have the biggest impact on your driving ability. Every time we get behind the wheel, it’s important to feel alert so we can make sound decisions and react to hazards quickly enough to avoid any accidents. It’s estimated that up to 20% of road accidents are related to fatigue, highlighting the dangers of being exhausted behind the wheel.
It’s common for people with Parkinson’s to suffer from a range of sleep conditions, such as insomnia, nocturia and sleep apnoea. On top of these, medications used to treat Parkinson’s have been linked to excessive daytime tiredness, which can make the symptoms worse. If you find yourself feeling particularly fatigued during the day, it’s important to consider your safety on the road.
Difficulty executing basic driving-related movements
Driving demands a certain level of dexterity, and with the slowness of movements and muscle stiffness being two of the most prominent symptoms of Parkinson’s, you may notice it becomes harder to execute basic maneuvers in the driving seat. For example, you may struggle to coordinate gear changes or gripping and turning the steering wheel might become more difficult to do – especially during longer drives as fatigue sets in.
In addition, using the pedals and shifting your feet quickly between them is inherently more difficult when your movements are restricted by your condition. It’s important to be honest with yourself and seek support when you no longer feel confident and comfortable being on the road independently.
Bad driving habits
As well as staying aware of what’s happening inside the car, it’s just as important to monitor any bad habits you start to see seeping into your driving. There are lots of common things you might notice: getting lost on a route you know well, drifting between lanes, missing or ignoring traffic signals and forgetting to signal when appropriate. Often, these things are more easily spotted by passengers; even if you usually drive on your own, it can be helpful to ask a loved one to accompany you on occasion so they can help you identify any issues.
If you have any concerns about your ability to drive safely, speak to a healthcare professional for more advice and information.
