What You Should Know About Driving and Mental Illness

 Suffering from a mental illness and trying to drive is a stressful ordeal. Nevertheless, many people with mental illness can keep in touch with the outside world because they can drive. A mental handicap might make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a disabled parking permit in many areas. Due to physical limitations, many people with mental illness can use disabled parking spots. Many people who need disability parking spots also have mental illnesses. Everything you need to know about driving and mental illness is included in this article.

If you’re a driver, what kinds of mental health problems reduce your fitness as a driver?

There is a correlation between mental illness and automobile accidents. Nonetheless, it appears that not all mental disorders contribute to an elevated risk of driving accidents. In driver fitness, many individuals consider alcohol use, co-morbid medical conditions (diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy), and inappropriate drug responses to be significant causes of automobile accidents.

 Several other medical disorders can pose substantial dangers on the road. Drugs used to treat mental illness can cause side effects that impair a person’s ability to think clearly and make quick decisions, which are crucial for safe driving.

Should I tell someone about my mental health issue if I have to drive?

A medical professional

Suppose you have a history of driving and mental illness. Doctors need to know about your condition to assess whether they think you should be allowed to drive.

 Your doctor is obligated to report you to the DVSA if they advise you to stop driving and you refuse. No matter how much you disagree with me, Your physician will notify you if the DVSA wishes to report your mental status. You should discuss your decision to withhold information from the DVSA with your doctor. Your doctor must give you written notice if they report you to the DVSA. It is also important that they note this in your medical record. Also, in driving schools, you should tell your driving instructor about your mental issues.

 Insurance company

Your insurance coverage may be affected if you drive while ill and have not notified the DVLA. On the other hand, if your doctor has told you not to drive, Find out what your policy covers by reading it carefully.

If you provide an insurance company with an untruthful answer to a question, you will be charged with misrepresentation. The following are potential outcomes should this information become known to your insurance provider.

 It’s possible that your insurance plan could be terminated at any time.

The insurance policy you paid for can become useless. That means your insurance company will likely deny your claim if you submit one. But you still need to file the claim, even if it has nothing to do with your mental health.

Your insurance carrier may require an annual premium. It’s to make up for the higher premium the insurance company may have charged had they been aware of your mental health. The older you become, the more difficult it will be to get insurance.

 I’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness; can I still get a disabled parking placard?

In many regions, mental illness is not one of the requirements for a disabled parking permit, or in other words, a Blue Badge. The experts at easymovekw.com say that mental health disorders are valid extenuating circumstances if they “impose severe obstacles in the usage of public transportation and hinder the person from going around without considerable effort.”

If you meet these criteria, you will receive a Blue Badge automatically:

  • If you’re registered as legally blind.
  • Improve your Disability Living Allowance (DLA) mobility rating—See your acceptance letter for details.
  • Get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
  • Have a permanent and significant impairment and received a lump sum payout under AFCS (Tariffs 1-8).

If you receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

  • PIP “moving around” subcategory score of 8 or above.
  • You scored ten on the PIP “planning and following travels” subscale, putting you in category “E.” You can’t leave the house due to stress, anxiety, or another mental health condition.

If you aren’t automatically qualified, the following situations still allow badges:

  • Mental health problems that restrict you from going for walks.
  • You can’t utilize both arms.
  • You’re completing this form for a youngster over two who has difficulty walking or getting about or a youngster under three who must be near a car for medical reasons.

 How can I ensure my safety while driving?

1- Be sure to get enough rest.

Rest is essential, as driving while tired can lead to dozing off and distracted driving, which is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Before any significant travel, a good night’s sleep is mandatory. Fatigue can make it hard to have a level head, so be aware of its effects on your disposition

2- Lay out a plan.

Planning and knowing your destination might help you focus on driving safely, even if you’re not feeling well. Taking a 20-minute break every 2.5 hours of driving is recommended, or sooner if you’re tired.

3- Think about using different transportation methods.

Figure out how to anticipate low-energy days to plan alternative transportation options. Do not get behind the wheel if you have doubts about your ability.

4- Reach out for help.

There has been an uptick in the prevalence of driving and mental illness problems and the willingness to talk about them. There is always someone to talk to if you’re having difficulty keeping your head above water emotionally or mentally. Consult a medical professional, reach out to a group focused on mental health, talk to close friends and family, or tell your driving school’s driving instructor what’s happening, which will be necessary for the driving test.

In Conclusion

Driving and mental illness can be rough, so rivers’ emotional and physiological health is a top priority, and we must give them our full attention. We all share the roads and must share them with compassion to the best of our abilities, realizing that some confront more significant problems than we may be aware of. That isn’t only about their personal safety or reducing the costs of road accidents.

Posted on Nov 16, 2022 by Sam

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What You Should Know About Driving and Mental Illness

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