United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I want to start driving with one hand. I am right handed and that is my good hand. Does anybody of any gadgets or websites were I can buy them.

Thanks,

Susana

hi - there is a page on here that Nancy Birk wrote up on Vehicle Modifications.... I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for (but then again it might be)

Good luck driving!
-francine

http://ubpn.org/ubpnweb.nsf/web/vehiclemod.html

There's some good advice in the link above Susana-do bear in mind that it's about driving with 2 hands, Nancy has some use of her bpi hand, her unit seems to need you to press a button on the dashboard??? not good with one hand..... To drive safely with one hand you need something actually on the steering wheel itself(maybe Nancy's box as described in the link would fit on there??)because it's not safe to let go of the steering wheel at any time.There are controls you can fit to the steering wheel that control indicators, wipers and everything else from one unit attached to the steering wheel. I'll post a link to a page describing it-it's been written by a guy who has no use of his bpi hand. Scroll down past the UK driving regs bit if they don't apply to you to see info about the device, it may be available from the people nancy describes in her page or they may be able to adapt the unit nancy uses for one handed use.... I've been a one handed driver for over 20 years now, I don't even think about it any more...safe and happy driving! Jen NZ
http://tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/vehicledvla.html

Jenny is absolutely correct.

My specific adaptation will only work for someone with some use of the bpi hand.

However there are many many adaptation devices available and the car companies and the rehab facilities will work with you and with your car to find what works best. And if you are buying a new car in the U.S., they may help to pay for the adaptation. At the very least you can use health care reimbursement account funds to cover the necessary adaptation.

My particular unit could be mounted on the steering wheel for example.

Nancy

Are you in the UK? If so, there are special centres which can assess you and advise on adaptations. they can also help (soemtimes) locate good condition SH ones.

The assessment costs (from memory about £40 for an hour) -but well worth it in my view. Your local health authority should be able to help - if not, le t me know and I will try to dig out the contact list from my files.

Depednign on whetherr you have any use of your left arm or not they may recommend just a simple knob (like some bus drivers use) or an elctrocni knob that has buttons, operated by your rh, for all usual hand controls (lights, indicators etc) as well as steering.

I am not sure if you can get anything to do gears- we only ever talked about using an automatic and leaning across, at start up, with my rh for that and the hand brake. And , of course, you have to let dvlc know otherwise you can be fined and your insurance invalidated- but again, the centres advise on that if you ask.

hope this helps- and good luck

Hey--I got a 94 Camaro 5 speed and a Suzuki Bandit motorcycle. Had a Couple Hondas--a Harley....I just DRIVE baby.Had my r. arm amputated in 95--learned to write and tie my shoes one-handed--figured out how to put the right hand controls on the left motorcycle handlebar---I drive my car w/ my left hand shifting and steer w/ my knee when I have to.MOST IMPORTANT--FIND A CAR THAT FITS. There are cars (stick & automatic) that I can't drive cuz the seat won't lay right so I can reach blinkers or shifters clutch pedals, brakes or whatever.SIT IN THE CAR--ADJUST THE SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL AND MAKE SURE YOU CAN REACH EVERYTHING. I mean think about the radio--the heater/air conditioner. Tilt steering wheel's a must for a stick. And don't be scared. You've been thru the wringer once--what's to be scared of? Also, I've found sportscar type designs easier to operate cuz they're just set up where everythings close by. Bucket seats seem alot easier to drive with too. SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!!!! I'll be the one-armed biker who doesn't wave back.-Ronin

You are so funny. I went to a driving class and I am already driving. Thank God I didn't get scared.

One handed driving works just fine. The only adaptation I have is a remote for the stereo which I velcroed to the steering wheel.

I haven't driven a motorcycle, but my snowmobile is left handed and works just ducky!

Henry

Did you do the mods yourself and are any bikes better suited to modifications that others? I had polio when I was a kid and have a strong left arm but not a lot of use of my right. I too had to learn to tie shoes and write and do just about everything else left handed. Thanks for any guidance.

I have had a BPI on my left arm since August 2001. I am from England but live in Spain so we drive with Left Hand Drive. I drive a manual car and dont have any modifications. I will buy an automatic when i can, but manage ok with a manual. The first time i drove since the accident (which was done in a car accident) was a little scary but soon got the hang of it. Have you ever heard of the expression "its just like falling off a horse, you have to get back on asap". This is very true. My advice is try it, if you dont like it and are not comfortable, stop. Then try another day for a little longer, you soon get the hang of it.
Happy driving.