Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. One question that often arises for individuals living with MS is whether it’s safe for them to drive. Understand the nature of driving with MS, including the potential risks, driving restrictions, and safety tips.
Driving with MS: Understanding the Risks
Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that harms the central nervous system, causing damage to the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. This damage can disrupt communication between the brain and the body, leading to various symptoms that can affect driving. Some common symptoms include:
- Vision Problems: MS can cause issues like optic neuritis, double vision, or blind spots, making it hard to see traffic signals, signs, and objects clearly.
- Muscle Weakness and Spasms: Weakened muscles and spasms can make it difficult to control the vehicle, brake or accelerate smoothly, or use the pedals and steering wheel properly.
- Thinking and Memory Issues: MS can lead to problems with attention, memory, problem-solving, and processing speed, which are crucial for quick decision-making on the road.
- Fatigue: Many people with MS feel extreme tiredness, which can make it hard to focus and react quickly while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
Also, night driving can be challenging for people with MS due to vision, fatigue, and thinking problems that worsen in the dark. Issues like double vision make it hard to see, while fatigue and thinking difficulties can affect focus and reaction times. People with MS should avoid driving at night. If they must, they should stick to well-lit, familiar roads and ensure they’re well-rested.
Driving Restrictions for People With Multiple Sclerosis
While there’s no general rule against people with MS driving, many states and countries have specific laws about driving with medical conditions like multiple sclerosis. These laws are meant to keep everyone safe on the road.
In the United States, each state has its own rules for people with MS who want to drive. Some states might require regular medical check-ups, vision, or driving tests to ensure the person can drive safely. In serious cases, driving privileges might be limited or taken away if the person’s condition is risky.
If you have MS, knowing the driving laws in your state or country is important. Your neurologist or healthcare provider can advise you and tell you about the rules in your area.
Can you drive if you have MS? Get Your Assessment!
To assess your driving ability, you can visit a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), an occupational therapist trained to evaluate driving skills. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) lists qualified DRS professionals you can contact.
The assessment usually takes about 2 hours and includes two parts: an office-based assessment and a behind-the-wheel evaluation.
Office-based Assessment
During this part, the DRS will:
- Evaluate how MS affects your daily activities, like bathing, dressing, and managing medication.
- Review your medical and driving history.
- Ask about any specific difficulties you have while driving.
In addition, the DRS will also test:
- Vision: This includes measuring your visual sharpness, color vision, depth perception, and ability to recognize road signs.
- Cognition: The DRS will assess how quickly you process information and how MS affects your memory and visual-spatial skills.
- Functions: Your strength, coordination, and other skills important for driving will be tested.
If the DRS is satisfied with the office-based assessment, they will move on to the next step.
Behind-the-Wheel Assessment
This part involves a road test, usually starting in quieter traffic areas. The purpose is to evaluate:
- Your ability to follow traffic laws.
- How aware you are of safety while driving.
- Your ability to get in and out of the vehicle safely and handle assistive devices like wheelchairs.
- Your ability to scan for hazards, react quickly, and change lanes safely.
- Your judgment and ability to multitask while driving.
If you pass both assessments, the DRS will provide recommendations for driving or further training, if needed.
Driving with MS? Thinking About Special Equipment
After the evaluation at a driver rehab clinic, the DRS might suggest special equipment for your vehicle. This could include:
- Different mirrors
- A spinner knob for the steering wheel
- Easier steering and braking systems
- Hand controls for the gas and brake pedals
- Seats that make it easier to get in and out of the car
- Lifts for wheelchairs or other assistive devices
To use this equipment safely, you must pass a road test at your local DMV.
Assessing If You Can Drive with MS
Before driving, it’s important to honestly assess your physical and thinking abilities aside from passing DRS. Consider:
- Symptom severity: If your symptoms could make driving unsafe, consider other ways to get around.
- Medication side effects: Some MS medicines can make you drowsy or dizzy, affecting driving.
- Thinking skills: Notice if you have trouble remembering things, staying focused, solving problems, or making decisions. These skills are crucial for safe driving.
- Feeling tired: If you often feel very tired, driving might be risky, especially for long trips or during busy traffic times.
If you’re worried about driving safely, talk to your neurologist or a therapist who knows about driving with MS. They can give you advice, suggest changes to your car, or recommend driving classes.
Tips for Safe Driving with MS
If your doctor says it’s okay to drive with MS, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Plan your route: Avoid driving when there’s a lot of traffic or in unfamiliar places. Plan your route and take breaks if you get tired.
- Change your car: If you have trouble moving or seeing, consider adding special equipment like hand controls or mirrors.
- Avoid risky times: Don’t drive at night, in bad weather, or in heavy traffic, as these can worsen MS symptoms and increase the chance of accidents.
- Stay cool: Heat can worsen MS symptoms, so make sure your car’s air conditioning works well.
- Have an emergency kit: Keep a kit in your car with your medicines, water, snacks, and emergency contact numbers.
- Watch for symptoms: If your MS symptoms suddenly get worse while you’re driving, pull over safely and get help.
- Think about other ways to travel: Use public transport, share rides with friends, or ride-sharing services when driving feels too hard or unsafe.
Can you drive with MS? Know Your Capabilities First!
Driving with multiple sclerosis (MS) requires careful consideration of one’s physical and cognitive abilities. It’s crucial to assess these abilities honestly and discuss any concerns with healthcare providers. While there are potential risks and challenges associated with driving with MS, such as fatigue, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties, there are also strategies and adaptive equipment available to help individuals drive safely. Ultimately, the decision to drive should prioritize safety for oneself and others on the road.