Navigating roadways while managing Multiple Sclerosis: What limitations apply?
In the United Kingdom, a person diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may undergo an evaluation at a driver rehabilitation clinic to assess their driving safety and determine if any adjustments are necessary. This evaluation, lasting approximately two hours, involves an in-office assessment of daily living activities, medical and driving history, specific driving problems, vision, cognition, and functions [1].
Not everyone with MS will experience the same difficulties with driving due to the varying severity of symptoms from person to person. However, problems with memory, information processing speed, and visual-spatial awareness can pose challenges for those with the condition [2]. Cognitive problems that can affect a person's driving ability include confusion around starting and stopping the car, poor concentration, short-term memory loss, confusion while driving, difficulty or inability to multitask, and reduced ability to drive safely due to trouble moving their foot from the gas to the brake pedals, trouble getting into or out of a vehicle, and fatigue, seizures, loss of consciousness, medication side effects, and vision issues [3].
Fortunately, various adaptive equipment can help individuals with MS drive safely. Common recommendations include hand control devices, low-resistance power steering, specialized seating, and other vehicle modifications tailored to individual mobility impairments [4].
Hand control devices allow drivers with limited use of their legs to control acceleration and braking by hand. Bond Driving School specializes in evaluating and training MS patients for hand control use, ensuring devices are custom-fitted to the person’s needs [1]. Power steering with low resistance helps drivers who have muscle weakness or spasticity for easier steering [5]. Customized seating and positioning improve comfort, posture, and control during driving, often integrated with specialized wheelchair adapters if needed [2].
Professional assessment and training are crucial for MS patients. Driver rehabilitation specialists (DRS), who are occupational therapists, evaluate motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities, prescribe adaptive equipment, and provide training to regain safe driving skills [1][5]. Training and equipment installation must comply with local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) safety standards and guidelines [1].
Certified dealers from the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) can install adaptive vehicle equipment. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) provides a directory of qualified DRS professionals [6].
It is essential to note that an MS diagnosis does not legally obligate a person to stop driving. However, MS can cause physical, visual, and cognitive symptoms that can negatively affect a person's driving performance. If driving ability is significantly impaired, alternative transportation options and community support are recommended to maintain independence [3].
In some cases, only vehicles with adaptive equipment may be permitted for use. A person must pass a road test at their local DMV to use adaptive equipment [7]. The behind-the-wheel assessment checks ability to follow rules, safety awareness, transferring in and out of the vehicle, visual searching, reaction time, judgment, multitasking, lane changing, and use of adaptive equipment [8].
Periodic assessments may also be necessary to determine if symptoms have begun to affect driving ability. Over time, MS symptoms can affect a person's reflexes, strength, and mobility [9].
In conclusion, adaptive equipment and services enable many individuals with MS to continue driving safely by accommodating their specific functional limitations. With professional assessment, custom-fitted devices, and compliance with safety regulations, those with MS can maintain their independence on the road.
[1] Bond Driving School: https://www.bonddrivingschool.co.uk/ [2] MERU: https://www.meru.co.uk/ [3] MS Society: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/ [4] MS Trust: https://www.mstrust.org.uk/ [5] Mobility Works: https://www.mobilityworks.com/ [6] ADED: https://www.aded.net/ [7] UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/ [8] RoSPA: https://www.rospa.com/ [9] MS Nurse: https://www.msnurse.org.uk/
- A person diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may require custom-fitted hand control devices to help them drive safely, as provided by institutions like Bond Driving School.
- Not all individuals with multiple sclerosis will encounter the same driving difficulties due to the varying severity of symptoms. However, learning disorders such as memory, information processing speed, and visual-spatial awareness issues can pose challenges.
- Science and medical-conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and neurological disorders can lead to cognitive problems affecting a person's driving ability, including confusion starting and stopping the car, reduced concentration, short-term memory loss, and trouble multitasking.
- Various fitness-and-exercise routines and health-and-wellness practices can aid in managing symptoms of MS, but it is essential to remember that each person's condition may progress differently.
- Different adaptive equipment, such as power steering with low resistance, specialized seating, and other vehicle modifications, can be tailored to an individual's mobility impairments caused by MS to ensure safe driving.
- Before using adaptive equipment on the road, individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) must pass a road test at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure they can follow rules, demonstrate safety awareness, and effectively use the equipment.
