Over the last few months, I have seen quite a few posts on this forum relating to driving (after a stroke). I think most of these were from frustrated stoke survivors who were/are having difficulty getting the DVLA to reissue their licence.
I do understand why this would be a source of frustration and sympathise.
Over the years, and not related to strokes, I have also seen instances where dangerous driving, unlicensed drivers and uninsured drivers have caused serious injuries and fatalities. I have often wondered what if anything can be done to make our roads safer. Indeed, can they be made safer or is this just a risk we must accept?
Given that once a driving licence is issued, it is essentially for life, can we as individuals be trusted to be responsible?
How many of us are driving around with poor eyesight (that if tested would fail the driving test)?
How many of us read or follow advice when taking medication, especially those medicines that advise you not to drive when taking them or not to drink alcohol with medicines etc.?
In the news yesterday, there was an article which you can read here.
Does this make you think differently about driving and our responsibilities are drivers?
I wonder how many of us think that when we sit behind the wheel, we are potentially putting lives at risk, not only third parties but also ourselves.
I too saw that article yesterday. I am sure there are many people driving around who don’t meet the driving eye sight standard. I unwittingly did it myself many years ago. I never realised my sight was that bad until I turned up gor my 2 yearly test to be told my prescription had changed loads. What a difference my new glasses made. Then i realised just how little I had been able to see at a distance.
I do often say to hubby though when he is pushing me to do more driving now that I am not safe today as my fatigue is too bad or feeling woozy etc. Not sure he completely gets it…invisible disabilities and all that.
The problem with a self declaration system is that there are a minority of people who won’t declare because driving is their only way of getting around.
I do think stroke survivors though have to pass stringent tests to get their licence back so are probably more than meeting the standards.
It is great that you are able to recognise this and you are able to push back. There is no need to take unnecessary risks especially if there are signs there already.
I used to drive a large family car, comfortable sat five adults. The car was potentially a very lethal weapon and could have done much damage, yet I never thought of it that way whenever I sat behind the wheel, sometimes on my own, sometimes with passengers. Inside you feel so safe with seat belts, a solid steel cage surrounding you and air bags, but outside it’s a different story.
There is no doubt the motor car is a wonderful invention and it makes a huge difference to the lives of those who use it, but at the same time, it deserves to be respected and sometimes we forget that.
