Cerebral Palsy

Hi everyone

I am new to the site I  have cerebral palsy .And I just wanted some tips about driving with cerebal palsy. I have a license and drive with handcontrols. But when i get in the car I so much fear that i have just given up on driving . and i was wondering does anyone have any tips for me to get over my fear.

 

 I have a spinal cord injury not CP but I do have something to say about this. I can drive with hand controls also. When I first got my car and driver permit I was nervous about if I would be able to physically do it. I have limited hand use and bad spasms (legs, back) If you have a fear of driving it might be for a reason. Ask someone you trust and that knows your limitations well their opinion about the matter. And trust your own heart. I drove for four years after my injury but unfortunetly, booze had me think twice about driving so I gave it up. I was driving drunk all the time so I just took the key off my car ring and parked my vechile. My heart told me to stay home and drink before I hit someone and paralyed someone else. I haven't drove since I gave it up in 2004. (The car not the booze) Just my two cents amigo! Thanks for your post...good question. --Greg

Hi Jteena:

I certainly can understand your fear.  Driving is a very serious responsibility.  Driving is also enjoyable.  I felt the same way when I started driving at age 18.  I was born with CP and once I got the opportunity to drive and become more independent, there was no stopping me.  There is so much to figure out with a disability whenever you attemp to do anything in life.  You certainly can drive legally because your state issued you a license.  Practice driving when there's less traffic on the road.  Also make short trips at first, then gradually expand. Don't be afraid of getting lost once in a while, just stay calm. Take someone along with you when you drive for company. And most of all, take your time. 

 

 Hi bren0047

Just wanted to say thanks for tips. This driving thing has become a big deal to me and i know i should just relax. How long did it take you to become comfortable with driving and what was the hardest thing you had to over come when it came to driving. Because  I am 25 and attending school and I want so bad to be able to do things for myself when i need too and i just can't give up yet.

 

I'm 31 and have mild athetoid CP that mainly affects my hands.  My CP actually wasn't diagnosed until I was 28, so I learned to drive before I was diagnosed.  What's funny was my driving teacher told me he'd recently taught a guy with CP to drive and I remember thinking that would be useful teaching me. . .

 

 Everyone else learned to drive when they were 16 in my class.  I had a panic attack every time I thought about driving.  I threatened to get a horse and buggy.  I was teased by classmates for not wanting my learners permit.   I would have these nightmares where I would be learning to drive in a parking lot, mistake the gas for the brake and then there'd be a tree sticking out of the car. 

 

 When I was 18 my grandmother begged me to drive her car up and down the driveway and I again refused.  She finally said - but you can drive the tractor!  I explained how it had a picture of a turtle and a pic of a rabbit, so there weren't two pedals to confuse.  She got paper, wrote signs saying 'gas" and "brake" and taped them to the dashboard.  That problem solved I at least drove the car up and down the driveway.  I kept the signs up for weeks though.

 

 My mom taught me to drive in parking lots and then slow streets near home.  I then had a few professional driving lessons (with the guy I mentioned earlier) and got my liscence.  Which was lucky because my first job out of college i had to drive to get to work.  I was 21.

 

For awhile I lived in a cicty and took the bus and subway everywehre.  NOw i have to drive to get to work again.  It is safe to say I hate driving.  Driving in big cities terrifies me.  Driving on highways at night terrifies me.  Driving anywhere unfamilar at night scares me. 

 

My biggest problem is that i get lost a lot.  I mean a lot.  I have veyr poor sense of direction.  The first time my mom took me out we realized I didn't know which way to turn down our driveway torwards my high school.  I had attened that school daily for 5 years!  I used to have little index cards with directions to eveywhere.  Even the gas station right down the street.

 

 Last month I bought myself a GPS.  It makes direction decisions for me.  So if I miss a turn I don't have to then find a place to pull over - anxiety-producing in itself - and consult a map I have trouble reading.  

 

I drive because I have to.  I think I do it safely. I loathe it.  It scares me.  But overall - I think I was more independant and capable when I was living in a big city wtih good public transportation. . .

I got my licence at 29 and only with a lot of encouragement from my husband.  I hate the interstate.  I was reading some of the other post, and i am glad I am not the only one who gets lost.  I get so frustrated.  Just yesterday I had to ask my husband where a street was in town.  I have lived here for 12 years.  I write down directions alot.  I to panic alot.  I will see if I can find this place I need to go tomorrow.   

Hello Again Jteena:

I'm glad my comments on driving were helpful.  I've been driving for 40 years now. I really had to think about how long it took me to become comfortable driving.  I can tell you that it took a while.  I had plenty of driving lessons and I failed my first driving test. Lost, was my middle name.  I also drove myself to back and forth school. Fear is the hardest thing to overcome. You worry about what others think of you. You worry about getting in and out of the car; and just being independent is a lot to digest.  Once your comfortable with yourself you'll be just fine.  Stay out of accidents and keep up the maintenance of your car. Don't give up. 

I can completely relate to this post.  About two years ago, I met a guy with my level of cp (moderate) who drove his own van.  It was the first time I had even considered the possibility of driving.  I thought if he drives, why the hell can't I?  I wanted to have an evaluation.  I found a place on-line called Drive Again in Northern California.  They needed my doctor's consent for the evaluation.  I actually changed doctors because my old thought I was crazy, and stated her "concerns" on the form.  I now have a doctor who is very supportive.  I also need to pass the written DMV test before I can go in for the evaluation.  I've been seriously dragging my feet on this part.  It's such a big dream that I thought was out of reach for so long, the reality of it possibly coming true scares me.  Not having any family support isn't helping matters.  I just have to commit to a date and take the dang test.  The big picture is really scary, but if I just take one step at a time maybe I won't get so freaked out!