A peek inside my car showing the modifications I need

[Bobbi]

My disability has affected my mobility. My right side doesn’t function as it did before stroke.
About six months ago there were some changes and now I am able to drive my new car which has had modifications, is automatic and electric.

I am getting used to it and driving is becoming an enjoyable experience again.

I thought you might be interested in these variations on a normal car so I’m posting a few pictures to show my set up.

In the first picture you can see the device on the steering wheel that helps me both steer and manipulate vital functions like lights, indicators, washers and so on.
In the foot well you can see, in centre, brake and on the left the accelerator.

There also a picture of the steering device with its array of buttons.

The car has satellite navigation, telephone, radio and so on, all voice controlled if wanted.

With my scooter onboard I’m able to get out and about, giving me back freedom that stroke took away.

[EmeraldEyes]

Did it take you long to get used to that method of driving?
I mean, everything ingrained in year head about driving is still ingrained. So was was it still instinctual to reach for the accelerator with you right foot or clutch with the left for instances. Did your right hand have the urge to reach for right handed controls. And then there’s the steering, we automatically set both hands on the steering wheel when we get in

Knowing the way my brain now works, if it ever came to the point I would need an adapted automatic car, I’d just give up driving. It would be too much change all at once for me to cope with and not be a danger on the roads. But I’ve got two legs and a local bus service if that day ever comes

Lorraine

[Mrs5K]

@EmeraldEyes you asked the question I was going to ask about getting used to the adaptations.

I am only able to drive an automatic now (albeit with the pedals in the usual place). I have never tried to press the non existent clutch pedal as my left leg does not move without assistance. I did though try to change gear the other day

[Bobbi]

@EmeraldEyes

I used to drive an assortment of cars, small trucks, Luton vans, the infamous white vans, different school buses,sometimes swapping from one to another in the same day.
The layout of controls varies from one to another but changing between them was something that usually created no problem.

I’ve been driving for 60 years.

The big problem is that stroke chucks a great big spanner in the works and suddenly confidence vanishes.
You question yourself and the system is very risk averse saying, go easy old chap, no need to push yourself.

I was lucky, after a fall in hospital and a telling off by the nurses, a doctor took me to one side and said that if recovery was to occur then bruises and soreness on occasions would be part of the journey. That helped to reinforce my nerve.

In addition an O.T. quieted my doubts and said, regardless I should go for assessment, prove myself wrong and her right.

If you had offered me a choice between a gear box and automatic I’d go for the one I knew well and could get the best from. Gear box of course.
I’d prefer petrol or diesel too.
Before I got this electric automatic car I asked around and most drivers agreed with me about this.

But now I’ve been driving this car around for a bit I have a proper ‘lived experience’ opinion of my own.

In this car it costs just short of £3.50 to travel 200miles. (A bit cheaper than buses, supermarket deliveries or taxis)
There’s no gear change so acceleration just leaves everyone standing at the first stick shift.
It is fun to drive and puts a smile on my face.
I my car and look forward to being out and about on any occasion.
I watched a demo film at Silverstone matching petrol Porsches against electric. From the off electric led the way.

I drove an adapted car for my assessment, it worked well enough for me to get a pass, though I had no pre-test practice and hadn’t driven for two years.

I had to get used to my new car when it arrived but my verdict is

It has different drive modes and I’m slowly edging closer towards turning on sports mode.

[Bobbi]

@Mrs5K

@Mrs5K

I did though try to change gear the other day

I don’t do it so much now but when I first began driving my present car I would often pull away then take foot off the ‘gas’ then realise there were no gears to change. Weird.

A lot about driving becomes an automatic process but that is life there are changes and we must adjust to them.

I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one getting back on the road.

[Mrs5K]

I am only having little adventures on the road. Very local & not very often. It’s not the physical driving that’s stopping me more the fatigue I get afterwards. Not just that day but can last for a few days.

Slowly Slowly catchy monkey as they say

[Bobbi]

There’s nowt wrong with being kind to yourself @Mrs5K

. . . but a little adventure once in a while is good for you too