Reply With QuoteYou didn't ask this Colin, but I'd think you'll have to inform your insurer too.
As some may know I lost my left arm a few weeks back in a works accident.
I'm know in a position to start to look for car which will be automatic by choice.
I've been looking and have seen a nice BMW X3 automatic with basically most of the functions are auto,lights, wipers, auto handbrake.
I know theres a steering aid I'm going to need for a few things eg indicators, horn etc.
Couple of questions please,
Firstly do I have to take an assessment to drive again,I have been advised to but can a supplier of the steering aid which is probably the only thing I need give me advice.I can't see anything else i would need.
I have let the DVLA know and they have sent me a form to let them know about the modifications so they can change my licence.
Hope this reads ok any advice positive or negative is appreciated please.
Anyone who works in the mobility business who could supply and fit what I may need i'm in Rotherham and prepared to travel within reason.
Thank in advance
Colin.
Last edited by cgs; 25th April 2017 at 14:11.
You didn't ask this Colin, but I'd think you'll have to inform your insurer too.
Not sure if it helps Col but I have a good friend who was born without a right hand and drives perfectly well (VW T5) and also is a well known DJ around Brighton and a qualified heating engineer. Just to say, it shouldn't stop you doing anything. Just do it. Good to see the Forwad thinking positive attitude you have.
Ray
Hello Colin,
I did read of your misfortune, but your positive attitude did and continues to shine through. I wish you the best with your rehabilitation and your return to driving.
A thought occurs to me - have you considered a left hand drive car? It may be more convenient for you, and TBH driving a LHD car in the UK isn't that much of an issue in my experience. I ran a Fiat Barchetta (LHD only) for 3 years or so, I actually enjoyed having the wheel on the "wrong" side, it made me think more about my driving and positioning the car on the road. Just a thought.
Cheers,
Plug
Oh sorry I sorted the insurance as I need to let them know my medical details and modifications,quite surprised there's no extra charge.Originally Posted by demonloop
Colin.
I'm with you on this one Ray,there's a specialist place in Sheffield who I can ring tomorrow and they have what I think I need so I could be on the road for the end of the week.If they deem it safe to do so.
Car is in place but I want to make sure it's all done properly.Thecar has auto hand brake so that helps as I can then take my hand of the wheel to sort the Auto gearbox,sorry for going on a bit.
Colin.
Thanks for reply think it would work but would complicate my driving for a while,would feel more confident in a RHD.
Thanks
Colin.
Without wanting to sound condescending Col. If you ever find yourself on the south coast and want out for a beer with us . Just PM me.
I believe hand controls, in your case just the steering wheel knob, needs to be fitted properly. If you're talking about Clark & Partners, they should be fine. I've been admiring you resilience and wish you well.
You are not condescending at all would love to have a beer,hopefully Rotherham draw one of the football clubs on that coast has we have lost our trip to Brighton.
Well there's always Crawley you never know.
Colin.
Thanks it's hard mentally and I do have down periods especially when I see my residual limb in the mirror i have had a few flashbacksalso. I've had a couple of panic attacks one about swimming and I thought I would drown as I wouldn't be able to swim.For around 2-3 minutes I was convinced then it just clicked that I could swim on my back etc.
Anyway I will be on the phone to Clarks tomorrow,the car I have bought is auto handbrake so when I pull up and want to put the auto gear box into neutral and park I have been led to believe I can use my right hand as at the moment may not be able to use my residual limb.
Colin.
I'd thoroughly recommend some pro driving advice to add to your confidence, especially with the trickier manoeuvres like reverse parking, or even parallel parking if the car doesn't have that fitted. I've no doubt at all you'll take to it confidently.
Glamring
Just a little worried I'm at a driving assessment next week as recommended by my solicitor. I tend to overthink things.
Having seen the car I'm getting today I'm sure that I know what I need.On the assessment I get time to practice in an adapted car and then im out with an ADI for a 30 minute assessment.
It says on my letter that they can recommend you not to drive.
Hopefully I'm ok as this is going to give me a lot of independence and take the burden of family and friends running me and the wife about. I know it will help me no end the assessment but
Colin.
Have a good luck from me mate, positive vibes all the way.
mike
I think you will need a car- specifically adapted.
How will you manage to operate indicator stalk, wipers, adjust other controls - while still retain control of the car?
Al
Glad your on the road to recovery.
Take care and all the very best for the future.
Good luck. A local, to me (emigrated now), used car dealer lost an arm and drove everything including manuals - he was a bloody quick driver too. Any way, he had successfully applied for a disabled parking badge - as you won't be able to carry as much for long distances, and this may provide some help with parking while you transition.
All the best.
It's just a matter of time...
Afternoon guys,thanks for all your replies,as from today I can return to driving.What an excellent feeling and lift it has given me.
Been for an assessment and I can know drive.Only adaption I need to make to my car is a quick releasing steer ball.
So on Thursday morning I'm off to pick up my new to me motor.
If any one works in car insurance,I have found a quote but will not be buying until tomorrow afternoon.
Just thought it may give someone a chance to quote.
Onwards and upwards.
Colin.
Excellent news Colin. Got to admire your spirit.
You have my very best wishes for the rest!
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
Great news Colin, I think you're an inspiration to us all!
That's awesome!
Cracking news Col :)
Fantastic attitude Colin, all the best
I'll echo this. Fantastic news
Thanks guys, I'm smiling like a Cheshire Cat at the moment,just the tonic we as a family need.
Wifey gets the 4x4 she's always wanted, I quite like it as well.
Colin.
Well done, Colin, and my very best wishes for your continued recovery.
Great news, your attitude is inspirational, wishing you all the best!
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With an attitude like yours nothing will stand in your way Colin.
Happy driving mate.
Cheers,
Neil.
Great news Colin, it's amazing what can be done when you have a positive attitude. My dad lost his left arm just below the elbow when he was a child (playing on an inclined gravity colliery railway behind his house), it never prevented him from doing anything - apart from driving. Back in the late forties and early fifties the only way he would have been allowed to drive was if he used an government approved invalid carriage which he refused point blank to do as he (rightfully) didn't consider himself an invalid. I'm sure that was the biggest disappointment he ever had.
Those carriages were regarded as a prosthesis by the NHS. They allowed any number of people to be active at a time when there were no other options and as such did their job well. When NHS attitudes changed and mobility allowance replaced them it did allow people to make different and better choices but you had to buy and maintain your own vehicle. Only when Motability came along were the disabled free to be more active and include their families.
Glad to hear your news Colin.
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You have my best wishes Colin and my upmost respect for your attitude and resolve.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Great stuff - very good news indeed.
Best wishes Colin, so pleased you will soon be mobile.
I hope you had a good morning picking up your new car. Hopefully a nice drive home with lunch out to mark the special day.
Tom
DVLA get the last say if you need an assessment. As long as you have completed the paperwork and returned it to them that is all you need do. We have quite a few one armed motorcyclists out there so sit back and enjoy the new wheels.
That's great Col', maybe you could give me a lift to the pub when you buy that pint for me;). Seriously though, great stuff & I sort of knew it wouldn't be a problem for you.
Thanks for all the replies they are all appreciated,picked up my x3 this morning and as anticipated had a cracking day.
Taking some getting use to the auto transmission but that will come..
Love the 3 litre engine
Be nice to not have to be taxied to the quacks tomorrow.
Thanks to you all.
Colin.
Very difficult to imagine the trauma such an injury must be in both mental and physical terms Colin, but you seem to be giving it every inch of positive thinking that you can.
Great to hear you have got yourself a car, and the sense of independence that must surely bring back into your life. I was born and raised in rawmarsh (obviously the best bit of Rotherham), and I really hope you find your way back to good health. I come over to see my dad every few weeks or so, let me know if you need a right handed beer.
Small world the guy who sold me my car was from Rawmarsh lived down barbers avenue. Some good characters in the village played cricket with a few.
The fighting cocks is an aptly name pub.
Cheers.
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