Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance


Posted by M Chiasson ® , Apr 24,2002,20:12   Archive
I would be interested in knowing what experiences Dystonia patients (especially those with
Blepharospasm) have had with driving (i.e. whether their doctor has told them not to drive) and what
effect has it had with their car insurance companies. Thanks.
Marcellin Chiasson, Nova Scotia, Canada



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Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance

Re : Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance --- M Chiasson
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 25,2002,10:36 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Marcellin. I rarely drive-almost never but I've only had one doctor tell me that I shouldn't drive (actually he agreed with me after I told him that I wasn't able to drive). I've seen about 9 different doctors since the onset of this 3 years ago, from my GP to ophthalmologists to neurologists and only the one said anything about me not driving even after I would tell them that I couldn't drive or I was having trouble driving. I found it a little surprising that only the one doctor would say "you're right, you shouldn't be driving". Maybe it was because I told them that my eyes were so bad that I couldn't drive. I don't know.
It has had no effect on my insurance. I am still a licensed, insured driver. I've spoken to my insurance agent about this and have told him that I rarely drive and would only do so under certain circumstances and then for very short distances. He made no comment. To tell you the truth, I don't even remember the last time that I drove.

I do believe, like Judy has told us, that our goose would be cooked if we had an accident, be it our fault or not, if we knowingly drove with this disorder. None of us really know when our eyes are going to act up on us unless your BEB is "very well controlled" and then there would possibly still be times that your driving ability would be uncertain.

In my opinion, if you drive with a diagnosis of BEB, you are taking a big risk.

Shirley in Arkansas




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Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance

Re : Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance --- M Chiasson
Posted by Cynthia ® , Apr 25,2002,13:41 Top of Thread Archive
I have voluntarily limited my driving to our local area. I believe I could still manage on the interstates; however, I leave that driving to my husband, who feels safer that way too :-))

Any change in our car insurance happened when I backed out of the garage hurriedly, not noticing that a rear door was open! Needless to say, the entire door had to be replaced -- nothing to do with BEB!

My drivers' license expires next month and I will need to take an eye test to get a renewal. I'm trusting the Lord for the outcome of that.

Cynthia in IL who may lose her license ... :-((




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Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance

Re : Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance --- Cynthia
Posted by Pippa ® , Apr 25,2002,16:00 Top of Thread Archive
Let us know how you get on with your test and licence, please
Pippa



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Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance

Re : Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance --- Pippa
Posted by Cynthia ® , Apr 26,2002,09:32 Top of Thread Archive
Ok, Pippa, I will. I'm going around May 10 or so.
Cynthia ... "on the road again" .... I hope



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Re: Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance

Re : Dystonia-Driving/Car Insurance --- M Chiasson
Posted by Kelly Saffell ® , Apr 25,2002,14:08 Top of Thread Archive
After receiving approval for SSD, the judge then reported me to DPS because my beb impairs my ability to drive. I had an interview last month with DPS and the officer then had to file a report to be sent to the medical advisory board. I have yet to hear from them. The officer was recommending, and thought I would get, a restricted rather than revoked license. I restrict myself and continue to do so more and more. I'm pretty bad right now and Cory's preschool is 3.5 miles away. I just called the private preschool less than a mile from home and they have openings for next year. It is 3 times the price but I may have to move her just to get even closer to home. Since my article came out on Sat, alot of the girls' friends parents have offered to help out now that they understand what my condition entails. That is a blessing and one that I might have to use from time to time.
Kelly



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