Driving & Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic, neurodegenerative disorder that causes a progressive loss of brain cells in regions of the brain that regulate voluntary motions, like turning a door knob, opening a car door, turning the steering wheel, or lifting a coffee mug. As the condition progresses, people may develop abnormal body postures, uncontrollable movements, as well as emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and judgemental changes. HD, which usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50, can also result in poor coordination, changes in speech, and difficulties with eating and swallowing. Overall, Huntington’s disease can have a major influence on day-to-day tasks like driving.

Get A Comprehensive Driving Evaluation Early

It is important to obtain a comprehensive driving evaluation shortly after you or a loved one is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease to ensure safety on the road. An Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (OT DRS) is critical in this process, as they have a thorough understanding of how HD and its related symptoms affect individuals’ fitness to drive. The OT DRS will evaluate the individual’s specific driving habits and any challenges they may have during the assessment. They will keep an eye out for any patterns that may indicate a decline in fitness to drive.

This comprehensive assessment not only helps decide whether it is safe for the individual to continue driving, but also helps with decision making regarding possible driving retirement – ultimately prioritizing the safety of the driver with HD and other drivers on the road.

How Huntington’s Disease Can Affect Driving

As Huntington’s disease progresses, the symptoms that follow may begin to impact driving. Some of these symptoms include:

• Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with attention and divided attention can make it difficult for drivers with HD to concentrate on multiple things at once. Decreased short term memory can also make it harder for drivers to remember important information, like directions and traffic signals. Additionally, poor judgment of space and time paired with delayed reactions to hazards increased the likelihood of accidents, making safe driving more difficult.
• Changes in Motor Skills: Reduced coordination and slow, delayed reactions are two major symptoms of HD that impact an individual’s ability to drive safely. Those who experience chorea, or uncontrolled movements, may have a difficult time maintaining control of their vehicle, while dystonia-related weakness or spasms can further impair their ability to drive effectively. When combined, the physical challenges of Huntington’s disease can greatly increase the chance of accidents and make it harder to safely operate a vehicle.

Be On The Lookout For Warning Signs

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with HD, it is very important that you obtain a comprehensive driving assessment early in your diagnosis. If you notice any of the following in yourself or a loved one with Huntington’s disease, consult with your doctor and consider a comprehensive driving evaluation with a local OT DRS for a second evaluation:

• Difficulty holding the brake pedal at red lights.
• Jerky steering – which could signal changes in muscle control or coordination.
• Slower movement between the gas and brake pedal.
• Difficulty focusing or paying attention.
• Trouble staying in the driving lane.
• Missing signs or signals.
• Driving too close to others.
• Trouble center the vehicle in parking spots.

Contact Adaptive Mobility For Comprehensive Driving Assessments

If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with the difficulties of Huntington’s disease and have questions about safe driving, reach out to Adaptive Mobility Services. We have a national directory of OT driver rehabilitation specialists that can conduct thorough driving assessments customized to meet the needs of each individual. An OT DRS can help to determine fitness to drive and explore options for maintaining independence behind the wheel. Contact us today!