Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis can compromise your ability to drive safely if it is affecting the range of motion necessary for operating the primary controls of the vehicle safely.  Driving safely really depends on which joints are affected and to what degree the arthritis is impairing functional movement and strength.

Common symptoms of arthritis that affect driving:

• Increased difficulty getting into/out of your vehicle
• Decreased grip strength for holding the steering wheel
• Decreased shoulder range of motion for efficiently turning the steering wheel
• Difficulty turning head/neck/trunk range of motion for checking blind spots
• Difficulty buckling seat belt
• Harder time applying gas/brake with appropriate force

If any of the above symptoms are affecting your ability to drive your vehicle, be sure to have a conversation with your physician about possible treatments and a potential referral to see a driving rehab specialist. Auto adaptive equipment and/or techniques may be recommended to increase function and safety.