Safety Advice for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Driving a car is one of those tasks where after the novelty of driving at age 16 wears off, it becomes a chore and activity that many of us take for granted. Yet while it may seem easy after years behind the wheel, it is actually an activity that requires a lot of cognitive and muscular work and control. This does not automatically mean that if you have MS you should not drive. Being able to drive is a huge part of maintaining independence, and independence is very important when it comes to mental health. However, this is not something that should be overlooked. If you have been diagnosed with MS, be sure to talk with your healthcare team about driving safety. Additionally, talking to loved ones and people who know you well can help you gain a more objective perspective on your driving ability. According to the National MS Society, research has shown that driving abilities can be negatively affected by MS. In their pamphlet, they discuss driving evaluations that can help people feel confident about their driving abilities, or know when they should put down their keys. It is not always as black and white as that, though. With today’s technology, there are many different types of adaptive equipment that have been created to help people adjust to their body’s changes and still be able to drive safely.