Concussions, a common brain injury, significantly impact driving ability. They disrupt normal brain functioning, leading to various impairments. Understanding the risks and knowing when it is safe to return to driving is important for personal and public safety.
Why Driving with a Concussion is Dangerous
Driving demands rapid decision-making, sustained attention, and precise physical coordination. A concussion interferes with these skills, making vehicle operation dangerous. Concussions slow reaction time, hindering responses to sudden road changes. Impairments in reaction time can persist even after symptoms resolve, increasing crash risk.
Beyond reaction time, concussions impair cognitive functions such as judgment, concentration, and quick information processing. A concussed driver may struggle to divide attention between tasks like checking the speedometer, observing traffic, and scanning mirrors. Impaired judgment can lead to increased risk-taking. Visual disturbances like blurred vision, double vision, and light sensitivity are common. These issues make it difficult to see clearly, read traffic signs, or accurately judge distances.
Physical symptoms also contribute to the danger. Dizziness and balance problems challenge vehicle control, especially when turning or navigating uneven roads. Fatigue and drowsiness are common concussion symptoms that reduce alertness, increasing accident likelihood. Emotional changes, including irritability and mood swings, can affect a driver’s behavior and focus. These combined impairments make driving with a concussion unsafe.
Recognizing Readiness to Drive
Resuming driving after a concussion requires careful consideration and medical clearance. Healthcare professionals advise against driving for at least 24 to 48 hours, even if symptoms appear mild. Full symptom resolution is necessary before returning to driving.
A healthcare provider assesses readiness to drive. They evaluate lingering concussion effects, which may not be obvious. Objective assessments, including tests of visual tracking, balance, attention, and cognitive function, help determine if the brain has recovered. Some tests evaluate information processing speed and attention division, both important for safe driving.
Return to driving should be a gradual process. Start with short distances on familiar, low-traffic routes during daylight. Avoid high-demand situations like night driving, heavy traffic, or long commutes. If any concussion symptoms worsen or are triggered by driving, the individual is not ready to drive safely. Self-assessment without professional guidance can be misleading, as impairments may persist despite feeling recovered.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Driving while impaired by a concussion carries legal and ethical responsibilities. Driving while impaired by any condition, including a concussion, can lead to serious consequences. If involved in an accident, a driver with concussion symptoms could face charges such as reckless driving or driving under impairment. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Beyond legal repercussions, ensure personal and public safety. Driving is a privilege requiring full mental and physical capacity. A concussion compromises this capacity. Insurance companies may have policies requiring disclosure of conditions affecting driving ability, impacting coverage if an accident occurs while impaired.
During recovery, arrange alternative transportation. Options include friends, family, rideshare services, public transport, or community programs. For those whose work requires driving, discuss with employers and seek medical clearance for return-to-work policies. Prioritizing recovery and avoiding driving until medically cleared protects the individual, passengers, and community.