United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Ok this is my worst nightmare!!! Dustin is getting ready to drive again. Last time was nov 2, 2005, when his accident happened. So, I think I will have a heart attack. He passed his reaction time/comprehension test with the OT and the skills test at Excel. They made the steering knob optional. So I am wondering if you all use one, like it or not? I don't know if we should try it or just have him drive without it. The idea that it's called a suicide knob scares me. I have also heard they can be in the way. He can hold on with his left hand although it really isn't any help. So he basically will drive with his right hand. He has to take a DMV road test then if he passes he will be legal to drive again. These tests are all due to the head injury not the BPI. We are off to look for cars today. Think we found a Ford Taurus, that's what he was driving when hit by 2 semi's, and no one can believe he's alive so I guess that's a pretty safe vehicle.
Sue

Hey Sue.. you will find many differing opinions on this topic. I personally am comfortable to drive with no adaptive devices! There are some people who will tell you that I am nothing but nuts for not having something, that I am not a safe driver. I really think, as long as you are following you state laws, that he should do what he is comfortable with. If I was not completely comfortable driving like this I wouldnt, but I am so I do. Maybe let him try with and try with out and see what he is liking. I will tell you that I do have a car that has radio controlls on the steering wheel though. They are standar in my car, Olds Intregue, might be something toi check out too, it helps a ton!!! Good luck keep us posted!

Courtney

p.s. He was supposed to be able to try the steering knob at Excel, but the car had it mounted on the wrong side so he didn't get a chance.

i am 28 years old i have never drove with two hands exept for the driving test you have to here in ohio i did use my other hand to turn the turn signals on now i just slide my hand around the wheel and turn them on i think i drive fine and have not had any complaints i guess it is what you feel comfortable with as for the radio i can grip the wheel with my left hand holding it on my knee to play with it or just use my knee you may look into switches that mount on the steering wheel for turn signals and headlights

Hello! My husband has found the "Suicide Knob" quite helpful in all of our vehicles. The only one we don't have it in is my XL7, because it's a stick shif and he isn't driving it anyway. He is a fighter, loves to pull trailers and not let anything stop him. He's a very safe driver, and is conciensious about all of his surroundings, so I think that you should take into consideration the type of driver that would be operating the wheel. If you think that the driver would be careful with the operation and handling of the wheel with the knob on it, get it. As I mentioned, it's been great for my hubby! Hope that helps. Polly

You should be able to put a suicide knob on and take it off, to try it out, fairly easily. I just had casts on both arms and hands for 6 weeks and was able to drive quite well using one. I've got one car with one and another without, and the car/truck that has one had it on the steering wheel years before my BPI. I think they make driving safer, with or without a BPI.

Search google or ebay.com for "suicide knob" or "steering wheel knob" and you'll find tons. It's hard to find them at auto parts stores, the internet has been the best place in my experience. Some even come with screw off caps, so your son can put a photo of mom in there, to remember to drive safe... They sell from about $10 to $30.

When I was tested after my accident, they had me drive without the knob and then with it. I felt like I had much better control of the car with it. So I got one for my car.

I believe they were called "suicide knobs" back when they were popular in the 50's & 60's before we had power steering and when you made a turn, the steering wheel would spin back once you released it. The knob would fly back around and smack people and break hands, arms, and whatever else it came in contact with. This caused a lot of accidents.

I think everyone just has to figure out which way makes them a safer driver for themselves and others.

Safe driving!

Susie Kaye

Today is the big day. Dustin will take his driving road test. We did put in a suicide knob. After his evaluation they recommended he have one and the Dr. agreed. He was against it and was doing fine without it. After we installed it he said it made it easier. So since the coordination in his good side is still a bit slow from the tbi it helps if he needs to make a quicker movement.
Sue

So how did every thing go today?

Courtney