A concussion is a brain injury from a jolt or blow to the head, causing temporary disruptions in brain function. While not typically life-threatening, concussions can significantly impact daily activities. Driving with a concussion is generally not recommended due to safety concerns for the individual and others.
How Concussion Symptoms Impair Driving
Concussion symptoms directly affect a person’s ability to drive safely by compromising cognitive, visual, and motor functions. Cognitive impairments include slowed processing speed, difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment, and memory problems. These issues make it harder to quickly process traffic information, maintain focus on the road, and make appropriate decisions.
Visual disturbances also hinder driving performance. Concussions can cause blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty tracking moving objects. Bright lights, especially at night from oncoming traffic, can trigger or worsen symptoms like headaches, further impairing vision and road scanning.
Motor impairments and slowed reaction time pose additional risks. A delayed reaction time means less time to respond to sudden changes, like another vehicle braking or a pedestrian entering the road. Coordination problems can affect vehicle controls, including steering, accelerating, and braking. Other symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and nausea can also distract or physically impair a driver, further compromising safe vehicle operation.
Risks of Driving While Concussed
Driving while concussed carries substantial risks. The impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and reduced perception resulting from a concussion elevate the risk of motor vehicle collisions. Even a split-second delay in reaction time can translate to a significant increase in stopping distance.
Beyond the immediate danger to oneself, driving while impaired by a concussion poses a threat to passengers and other road users. The act of driving itself, with its constant sensory input and cognitive demands, can also worsen existing concussion symptoms and prolong the recovery process. This can create a cycle where attempting to drive hinders the brain’s ability to heal.
Legal implications are another consideration. While specific laws vary, driving while impaired by any condition, including a concussion, can lead to traffic violations, liability in an accident, and issues with insurance coverage. If involved in a crash, a driver impaired by a concussion could be deemed responsible, facing fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges.
When It Is Safe to Return to Driving
Returning to driving after a concussion should be a medically guided process. It is generally advised to avoid driving for at least 24 to 48 hours immediately following a concussion, and often longer if symptoms persist. A healthcare professional must provide medical clearance before an individual resumes driving, as self-assessment of recovery can be unreliable.
The decision to return to driving should be based on being completely symptom-free, not just at rest, but also during light physical and cognitive activities. Even after symptoms resolve, residual impairments in reaction time, decision-making, and motor coordination can linger and affect driving performance. Objective brain health screenings and neurocognitive tests can help assess readiness to drive.
A gradual return to driving is recommended. This phased approach might involve starting with short, familiar drives during daylight hours and avoiding complex situations like heavy traffic or night driving. Individual recovery times can vary based on factors such as the severity of the concussion and age. Following medical advice and gradually reintroducing driving activities helps ensure a safer return to the road.