8 Safety Tips If You Need To Drive With A Mask

The coronavirus pandemic has made it necessary for some disabled people to wear a mask while driving. Wearing a mask is optional, and generally safe if you follow correct safety guidelines. Today, we will outline our top safety tips for people who need to drive with a mask.

Is It Safe To Drive With A Mask On?

Driving with a mask on is necessary for some people – sometimes for health reasons and sometimes for professional reasons. Driving with a mask is safe if you’re sensible and follow reasonable safety guidelines.

Is It Necessary To Wear A Mask While Driving?

It is not always necessary to wear a mask while driving. However, some people need to or choose to. People who drive for work are often required to wear a mask. Some people choose to wear a mask if they are driving very elderly or vulnerable passengers in their vehicle.

person about to put mask on in car — *Image by Erik Mclean on Pexels: Is it safe to drive with a mask on?*

Is It Legal To Wear A Mask While Driving?

Yes, it is legal to wear a mask while driving, provided it does not hamper the person’s view and ability to drive safely.

What Circumstances Might Mean A Disabled Driver Would Need To Wear A Mask?

The most common circumstances that make it necessary for a disabled driver to wear a mask are:

They are required to wear a mask for their occupation, e.g. taxi drivers and delivery drivers
They want to stay COVID-safe
They have elderly or vulnerable passengers who they want to protect

What Are The Potential Dangers Of Wearing A Mask While Driving?

Some of the potential dangers of wearing a mask while driving include:

Getting distracted
Impaired vision
Passing out
Overheating
Not being able to communicate clearly with law enforcement

Should You Wear A Mask In A Car With Others?

There are no hard and fast rules about whether you should wear a mask in a car with others. Cars are small and confined spaces, so some people choose to wear a mask in a car to prevent the passing of germs between people.

Driving Safely While Wearing A Mask

Here are eight safety tips if you need to drive with a mask.

1. Make Sure The Mask Is Not A Distraction

Distracted driving is dangerous. Make sure the mask you are wearing is comfortable and is not a distraction while you are driving.

2. Choose A Well-Fitting Mask

Masks come in different shapes and sizes. Stay safe while driving by choosing a good-quality mask that fits you well and won’t slip off or become uncomfortable.

3. Be Sure The Mask Does Not Impair Your Vision

No matter how well-fitting, masks can move about on the face. Make sure your mask does not impair your vision in any way, i.e. by riding up above your line of sight.

4. Don’t Allow Glasses To Fog Up

People who wear glasses may get fogged up while wearing a mask, but this can be dangerous when you’re driving. Make sure your glasses are fitted securely over your mask to avoid fogging up.

5. Pull Over If You Are Feeling Faint

Some people report feeling faint when they wear a mask for too long. If you feel faint or groggy while driving, always pull over to rest or get some fresh air.

woman wearing mask while in car — *Image by Uriel Mont on Pexels: Should you wear a mask in a car with others?*

6. Don’t Allow Yourself To Overheat

Masks can be warm and stifling. If you are too warm, you could get tired or even pass out. If you feel yourself overheating, pull over somewhere safe to get some air and cool down.

7. Remove Mask If Talking To Police

Masks can make communication difficult. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, remove your mask if needed to make communication easier.

8. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

Whenever you’re driving, with a mask on or without, you must practice safe, defensive driving. Defensive driving can be the difference between life and death. It involves:

Always having safety as your top priority
Being aware of your surroundings and vigilant
Not relying on other road users to drive safely
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front
Driving at a safe and sensible speed
Avoiding any type of distractions.

How Can You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

You can apply for a disabled parking permit by visiting the Dr. Handicap online clinic and arranging a video consultation with a licensed physician. Once the physician has verified your disability, they will complete the relevant sections of a disabled permit application form, which you can then submit to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Norma Mortenson on Pexels

3 Phone Safety Tips For Handicap Drivers

For every driver, including disabled drivers, the day you get your license is memorable. After all, it gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. For many disabled drivers, the biggest distraction when driving was the radio or CD player for many years, but today things are different. Everyone has a smartphone – and that smartphone can create dangerous driving situations.

Staying safe on the road should be the number one priority for anyone behind the wheel. Here are a few top phone safety tips for handicap drivers.

What Should You Do With Your Phone While Driving?

Having your phone with you when you’re on the road gives you peace of mind. After all, if something were to happen, it’s great to be able to call for help. No one is saying that to stay safe you shouldn’t have your phone with you – it’s what you do with your phone while driving that makes a difference when it comes to safety.

Your smartphone is, well, smart. It has several features you can use to help you stay safe on the road, and you should learn to use them. For starters, you should find your phone’s Do Not Disturb setting and use it before you get on the road. This setting won’t allow you to get any notifications or calls as you drive. And while you may worry about missing calls, it’s one of the best things you can do to prevent distraction and accidents when you’re behind the wheel.

driver getting passenger to use phone while they drive — *Image by Talles Alves on Unsplash: What is the safest way to make a phone call when driving? Have a friend do it for you!*

You can also use hands-free devices while driving. So what does hands-free cell phone mean, exactly? It means that you can place or take a call without using your hands, an approach that can help to reduce distracted driving. Many newer cars have a display that allows you to hook up your phone and take or make calls with your voice only when driving. A Bluetooth device is another option. Can you talk on Bluetooth while driving? Yes, you can, but you should try to keep conversations to a minimum while on the road.

If you’re driving with someone else, put them in charge of the phone! They can be your co-pilot and take control of anything you need to do on your phone while you’re behind the wheel. If you don’t have a passenger with you, do everything you need on your phone before you leave and then place it somewhere safe where it won’t distract you while you’re driving.

Top 3 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Driving

Distracted driving is extremely dangerous. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, 1.6 million car accidents each year are caused by distracted driving. That’s why it’s vital to do what you can to reduce how distracted you are in the car. Make sure you:

Never text and drive. Texting while driving is the cause behind one quarter of car accidents. In many states, it’s also illegal, so make sure to know the laws where you are.
Don’t eat while driving. Eating is another way you can become distracted while driving. Make sure only to eat in your car when it’s not in motion (which will probably help you from spilling food too!).
Don’t use social media. Never use your phone to view social media, take pictures, or film video when driving. Keep your eyes on the road and make sure driving has your full attention, not your newest Snapchat filter.

person taking photo with phone while driving — *Image by Marlon Lara on Unsplash: What should you do with your phone while driving? Definitely NOT this.*

What Is The Safest Way to Make a Call When Driving?

If you do have to make or take a call while driving, the safest way to do so is by using the hands-free methods discussed above. However, be sure you are legally allowed to do this where you live before you set things up to go hands-free.

If you live in a place where talking on the phone in any way is a no-no, always safely find a place to pull off the road and park while you take any call. Better still, simply call them back or do so yourself after you’ve reached your destination.

Remember, driving is a privilege and a responsibility. You have the privilege to drive as long as you do it in a responsible way that takes into account your safety and the safety of others on the road. Your phone will always be there, as will your social media and anyone who calls. Don’t put yourself at risk – be smart with your smartphone when behind the wheel!

Featured image by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

6 Defensive Driving Techniques That All Disabled Drivers Should Know

Most drivers have heard the term defensive driving. But what exactly does it mean? And why is defensive driving for disabled drivers so important?

Defensive driving is a series of actions and behaviors that will help you stay safe behind the wheel. As a driver, you can only control your own actions, not those of other drivers, so defensive driving techniques help you stay safe on the road, even if another driver makes a mistake.

Done correctly, defensive driving will help you avoid accidents by spotting hazards in advance and avoiding dangerous situations. It’s particularly important for disabled drivers who might have special physical or mental considerations that make driving more challenging.

If you want to stay safe and prepared while on the road, here are a few defensive driving techniques that all disabled drivers should know.

1. Follow the three-second rule

The three-second rule is taught to new drivers as a way of preventing collisions. It states that you should keep at least three seconds of time between yourself and the car ahead of you, so if they brake suddenly, you’ll have time to react.

However, for disabled drivers who might have slower response times, consider following a five- or six-second rule. If you know it will take you longer to react to something on the road, it’s completely OK to keep a wider berth between yourself and other drivers.

Don’t worry about cars behind you – they can pass you if they choose to do so. You can also yield or pull over to let other drivers pass you if they’re driving aggressively.

2. Drive at times of the day that are safest for you

What are some defensive driving skills specific to disabled drivers? One of our top recommendations is to only drive at times of the day when you’re most focused and alert, as this will help you stay safe.

For example, if you know you feel tired at certain times of the day when you take your medication, plan your trips so you don’t need to be on the road during these times.

person using phone while behind wheel of vehicle — *Image by melissa mjoen on Unsplash: Driving defensively means avoiding distractions – especially cell phones – and focusing all of your attention on the road.*

3. Minimize distractions

So, what should every driver know about defensive driving? If it’s one thing, it’s this: minimize distractions! Distracted driving is the leading cause of crashes in the US, so never take your eyes off the road.

If you need to check your phone, make a call, or change the radio, always pull over somewhere safe to do so. Avoid eating while driving, too – if your disability means you need to eat frequently for your blood sugar, always do so when the car is parked.

Taking your eyes off the road for a split second is all it takes to cause a collision, so don’t take the risk.

4. Scan the road constantly

To drive defensively, you should always be scanning the road. Keep your eyes on what’s immediately ahead of you, but also what’s ahead on the horizon, so you’re completely aware of your surroundings. This way, it’s easier to make decisions and react to upcoming problems, such as a traffic jam.

Keep in mind that scanning the road and paying close attention can be mentally tiring, especially for those with a disability. On long drives, take plenty of rest breaks so you’re fresh, or share the driving with someone else.

5. Use your mirrors

When you get in the car, always double-check that your mirrors are positioned correctly. If someone else drove the car before you, you’ll probably need to adjust them to your height.

As you drive, check your mirrors regularly, especially before you make a turn or switch lanes – mirrors are one of your most important tools for staying safe.

person reading map to determine driving route — *Image by ali elliott on Unsplash: You’ll be safer on the road if you always know where you’re going before you get in the car.*

6. Plan your route in advance

For some drivers, especially those with learning disabilities, navigating to a new place can be confusing and overwhelming. Reading road signs while driving, looking for the right exit, and focusing on the road can be a lot to do at once, especially if you’re trying to navigate as well.

If you’re someone who struggles with unfamiliar environments, it’s smart to always plan your route in advance. Review your directions and use a GPS to help you navigate as you drive. This will help you stay calm and focused on your driving, without needing to stress about where you’re going. If you do get lost and feel panicked, pull over and take a few deep breaths – it can be unsafe to drive while you’re feeling frustrated or stressed.

If you’re looking for more safe driving tips, reach out to your local driving school to learn more. Wondering “Why would someone take a defensive driving course?” It can be a great way to refresh your skills, especially if you’re out of practice.

Defensive driving is one of the best ways for drivers with disabilities to protect themselves. However, disabled drivers also have an easier time once they’ve approved for handicapped permits, which makes parking much more convenient. If you’re not sure if you qualify for one, you can ask a doctor today – a quick and easy way to make life on the road easier and safer.

Featured image by Brauilo Corona on Unsplash

4 Driving Safety Tips For Those With Limited Mobility

Driving is a privilege, because operating heavy machinery like a car can be dangerous. This is especially true when other drivers fail to drive safely, follow traffic laws, or practice angry or aggressive driving. Those who drive on a routine basis know there are some drivers out there who seem to disregard the safety of others completely – but if everyone on the road is to stay safe, everyone needs to practice safe driving.

For people with limited mobility, driving isn’t always as easy as it is for those with full mobility. However, the main difference between driving with limited mobility and full mobility is the need to make a few changes to either the vehicle you drive or the way you drive. This can be done seamlessly if you know what tips to follow. So read on for our top driving safety tips for those with limited mobility.

What does limited mobility mean?

Limited mobility can be caused by a lot of different things, from diseases to accidents to congenital disorders. When a person is unable to use one or more of their extremities, such as the arms and legs, or does not have adequate strength to walk, lift, or hold onto certain objects, it is referred to as limited mobility.

Those who require the use of a wheelchair, a walker, or crutches are all examples of people with limited mobility. Limited mobility can be permanent, as is the case when someone suffers from conditions such as cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury, or paralysis. It can also be considered temporary in the event that someone breaks a bone in the arm or leg. Limited mobility does count as a disability, but it doesn’t mean that a person has to give up the option to drive a vehicle.

woman in wheelchair in scenic location — *Image by Zachary Kyra-Derksen on Unsplash: Driving in a wheelchair can be done easily with the right tools.*

Can you drive if your legs are paralyzed?

Driving usually requires the use of one or both feet. For this reason, you may assume that if you don’t have mobility in your legs, you cannot drive. But people who are paralyzed in the legs can generally drive with no issue as long as certain modifications are made to their vehicle and they relearn how to drive using different tools.

A vehicle that is modified to allow a person with paralyzed legs to drive will include specific adaptations such as hand controls for braking and accelerating. Hand controls are extremely helpful and just as safe as foot controls. Other types of modifications may include power assist devices that can help with steering, touch ignition and gear shifts, adjustable driver’s seats, and automatic door openers.

Tips for driving with limited mobility

There are regular tips that all drivers should follow when it comes to driving safe and protecting yourself, passengers, and pedestrians while you’re out on the road. For example, observing the speed limit and practicing defensive driving techniques are great safety tips that everyone should be aware of and practicing diligently every time they get behind the wheel of their car.

Other general driving safety tips include:

Avoiding tailgating or riding too closely to the back of someone’s car
Always checking your blind spots
Never driving while angry and avoiding anger on the road
Always using your turn signals
Knowing the rules of a four-way stop
Avoiding the passing lane unless you are actually passing

These general rules are taught to every driver prior to getting their license, but can often be forgotten or unused as people build their own driving habits. Be sure to keep them all front of mind whenever you’re on the road.

When driving with limited mobility, there are some further specific driving tips that can help you stay safe while on the road.

1. Plan your route

Make sure you know not only where you’re going, but the route you need to take to get there. You won’t want to take your attention off the road to look at a map or directions, nor would it be ideal to have to stop or get out of your vehicle to get directions. If you’re prepared for your drive, you’ll have less distractions or detours when on the road.

2. Avoid unsafe driving conditions

This is a vital tip for driving safely with limited mobility. Unsafe driving conditions (such as severe weather) will complicate your experience behind the wheel, which could put your safety at risk.

person looking at map route in car — *Image by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash: How do I travel with limited mobility? First, know your route.*

3. Seek out additional driver training

For drivers with limited mobility, there’s also the option to receive additional training from an expert who is familiar with teaching people with the same mobility issue. This will help you understand the challenges you face on the road and prepare you to handle them better.

4. Minimize distractions

Finally, minimizing distractions will make your driving experience that much more seamless. Because driving relies heavily on visual and mental skills, you won’t want to be distracted, especially if you’re just getting used to driving with limited mobility.

Featured image by Orkun Azap on Unsplash

Is COVID Making People Drive More Recklessly?

Driving is a privilege that some confuse with being a right. There are rules and regulations by which every driver must abide while behind the wheel. These are in place to keep everyone on the road safe. After all, cars are heavy machinery, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1.35 million people will die each year due to car accidents across the globe. In the United States, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people under the age of 54.

These statistics alone should be enough to ensure everyone lucky enough to own and operate a vehicle follows the rules of the road, but that’s not true for all. In fact, dangerous behaviors such as reckless driving are all too common – and may have become even more so during recent times. This leads to the question: is COVID making people drive more recklessly? Let’s find out.

What is reckless driving?

Reckless driving is defined as a willful disregard for the safety of people or property while operating a vehicle. In the United States, the laws surrounding reckless driving are clear; it is considered to be a major moving traffic violation. Although some may think that reckless driving is similar to careless driving, the two are not one and the same.

Some examples of reckless driving include speeding, tailgating (not leaving sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front), not using turn signals, running stop signs or red lights, drunk and distracted driving, and failing to yield to right-of-way laws on the road. The consequences of reckless driving can be serious. Aside from causing injury or traffic accidents, a driver who is caught reckless driving can be fined or imprisoned, or have their license suspended or taken away.

person driving car on empty road at night — *Image by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash: Is speeding during COVID-19 on the rise?*

Is reckless driving on the rise?

A report published by the National Safety Council in 2019 found that motor vehicle accidents causing death were actually decreasing. Between 2017 and 2018, they decreased by 2%, and then again between 2018 and 2019 they decreased by another 2%. The reasoning behind the decrease is not entirely known, but the report suggests that new laws and regulations, such as lowering the legal alcohol limit, go hand in hand with mitigating reckless driving.

However, pedestrians have paid the ultimate price for reckless driving in the past. According to the CDC, specific reckless driving incidents involving alcohol use account for close to half of all pedestrian accidents, with 17% of those being the driver who was under the influence. In terms of pedestrian fatalities, those numbers had also decreased by 3% from 2018 to 2019. Those downturns in deaths could be attributed to lowered rates of reckless driving – but after 2019, that has changed.

Reckless driving during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been taking its toll on the world in various ways since early 2020, and when it comes to reckless driving, it has played a hand in increased traffic incidents. According to an article published in the Washington Post, it took only three months into the pandemic for drivers to begin engaging in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding. This has led speed-related crashes to increase as well.

With empty roadways caused by lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, many who were out on the roads began to speed well over the limit. The assumption is that with less cars on the road, these drivers believed they could get away with it; however, for many people disobeying speeding laws, crashes ensued. The same article in the Washington Post stated that 42 people lost their lives in car accidents in the 45 days following the implementation of the state’s first pandemic stay-at-home order. (In the same period of 2019, only 29 people suffered the same fate on Minnesota highways.)

empty highway road at night — *Image by Sebastian Staines on Unsplash: With empty roads, some “crazy” drivers during COVID-19 have come out of the woodwork to drag race and perform other dangerous driving maneuvers.*

Emptied roads have left room for people to drive recklessly, and multiple reports of drag racing, speeding, and driving well over the legal speed limit have been reported across the country. Although there is less traffic (down 41% overall across the country), the increase in traffic incidents is a cause for alarm.

Driving safely is the main thing people can do to lessen the risk of fatal or serious car accidents. Reckless driving may have been on the rise during the pandemic, but those who are part of the problem should know that driving is a right and not a privilege. Driving safely is a responsibility and should always be treated as such, no matter the circumstances of the road or the world at large.

Featured image by Samuele Errico Piccarini on Unsplash