Tuesday, 17th January 2023
The ability to drive with Parkinson’s (PD) depends largely on your individual circumstances. Driving with PD tends to be safest in the early stages of the disease. Taking medications that control your symptoms can also improve your driving ability and staying active can help you keep the muscle strength you need to drive.
Some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s that could affect your driving are:
The decision to stop driving is difficult, but in reality, it is one that most of us, regardless of whether we have PD, will have to face at some point in our lives. A good way to know whether you should be driving is to ask yourself: If a loved one were my passenger, would I be risking that person’s safety? Also, be aware of your loved one reaction. If your partner, child or friend has commented on your driving or has hesitation in being your passenger you may like to take these reactions on board.
Here are some tips to stay safe while you’re driving:
Remember that socialisation and staying active will help manage your Parkinson’s symptoms. It’s important that you don’t stay home once you are no longer driving. There are many other options to get you out and about such as: