United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,all. I posted on the general board but thought would try here too. Michaela just got her driver permit but we were told she needs a knob for the steering wheel since she doesnt have enough grip in her hand or enough movement in her arm to turn the steering wheel with both hands. I know we all drive onehanded but I am concerned about sharp and fast turns. Can any of you suggest what has been best purchase for you? I was told to get a clamp oon at an auto parts store. I did find one online with buttons for lights and signals and wipers. I just want to teach her safely from the get go.

Hi LeeAnneB,
First I would like to talk about improving grasp by squeezing a ball to improve grasp over time. It works overtime even if you started with very little grasp like I did
Over my 61 years driving semi for 25 ,motorcycle for years , and many cars to with my Birth erbs.
What I did find over the years driving was starting with a Spinner knob is a good Idea I know what the officer told JMAR and he seen the aftermath of a crash. But in a crash these day having your seat belt fasten and a air bag deployed in a crash I think that the odds of getting injured by a spinner knob goes down. When I started driving a spinner knob was a restriction on my license.
This change when I got my Semi License , By driving a few years I learn to drive one handed and use the pressure of my palm in turns and then going back to a grasp at a point. I did end up using my erbs hand a little by potion it at the bottom of the steering wheel and the ability to do this was by the tilt of the steering wheel and seat potion. I have grasp but limited lift and reach. This works going straight but I never have to grasp hard doing this even when shift a ten speed semi for years. ALL the maneuvering, turning or avoiding accidents was from fast reaction in my good arm , Which happen far to often driving a semi around Chicago I end up with 25 years without a acident, That part was a act of God concidering the near misses I had driving for years
When I got a car with electric seats was great, to get me close enough to the steering wheel without getting closer to the pedals.
She will find what works for her , just like JMar told you to.
Just tell her to slow down in her turns unless she wants to be a race car driver, who knows people amaze me all the time in what they end up learning to adapt to And Amazing parents that encourage there child to try from birth erbs like me to
Thought I would detail my answer more, Hope this helps??
TOM

I did not start using one until a few years ago and I love it!! I have used both , the one from an auto store and a professional one installed. I prefer the one I had installed. It feels more comfortable to drive with. When I bought my car in 2008, Toyota paid to have one put on. I believe it was $75.00. The knob can be removed for other drivers very easily. In the state of Florida, you have to have a handicapped permit(or maybe something on your drivers license) to use one. So, I would check with your DMV to make sure it will be legal.

Driving
Been there drove this a Semi, over 25 years, with birth erbs +, Car and Semi safety awards , 53, 55 ft trailer and double trlaris, I was a Birth erbs and driving a semi driver with ERBS!!! I was Born 1950 also drove street Rods, To date I customized a 2005 Gto and still drive to day with birth erbsand did so with Birth Erbs, 1950 at birth.
The Outlaw with Erbs,
Tom