On Driving

On Driving

Mind Map: On Driving

Mind Map Excerpt: Driving with an Artficial Eye

Choose You Car Carefully

Most people assume that smaller cars are easier to drive and park.

Many people decide to buy a smaller car to make driving easier with monocular vision.

The problem is that some small cars have very small back windows so you can’t see much.

This can make changing lanes, parallel parking and reversing hazardous by creating blind spots for any driver, especially someone with monocular vision.

Make sure that during your test drive you attempt to park or try to reverse the vehicle. There is a big difference between between how different models and makes of car perform in these circumstances.

Take time to find a car which makes these tasks easy and safe.

Explore what you need to help you drive confidently with restricted vision.

Start Driving Again

Check Your Insurance
There are insurance considerations that should be explored before you start driving.  It is wise to phone your insurer and clarify how long you need to wait after surgery before you can drive again.  This will vary from country to country and from one insurance company to another.  

It may be that the Road Traffic Authority has a requirement about driving after surgery as well.  Be armed with the facts.

Go Gently
Give yourself time to build confidence driving in quiet streets that are familiar to you.  Over time start adding busier roads.

Driving Aid Options
Some people drive perfectly well with monocular vision and no modification to their cars.  Others  benefit from the assistance these aids can give:

  • Larger wing mirrors on both sides
  • Convex mirrors on both wing mirrors
  • Reversing sensors
  • Rewipers and de-misters
  • A wide rear vision mirror
  • Halogen headlights

Driving On Major Roads
Staying properly in the lane might be a challenge initially.  Many major roads have sound bumps that will give you an extra guide.

You will need to remember that your judgement of distance has changed.  It is probably a good idea to keep your distance from the car in front as much as you can.  Driving within the speed limit is more important than ever.

Changing lanes will be easier with driving aids on your car.

Parking

Reverse parking and parking in parking stations offers challenges to many drivers with full vision.  They are certainly circumstances that require extra care and concentration for drivers with monocular vision.  

Give yourself lots of time and be patient with yourself.  Use your driving aids and if necessary ask others to assist. Keep your sense of humor!

Night Driving

Many people with monocular vision find driving at night stressful because of the increased sensitivity to the strong light of oncoming vehicles.  An optometrist can apply a coating to spectacles that reduces light glare and makes night driving easier.

Halogen headlights will give you maximum light and visibility from your own vehicle.

Avoid Driving Tired

It isn’t a good idea for anyone to drive when they are tired.  A driver with monocular vision is particularly at risk.  You only have to rub one tired eye and for those seconds you are driving blind.