Driving whilst having to use crutches?

naughty_10382

Hope someone can help me with a query - not sure where else to put this.

I had ankle surgery nearly 7 weeks ago. After being non weight bearing on my right ankle for 6.5 weeks, I have now had my follow up appointment yesterday and can now walk on my operated ankle.

I asked about driving, and the registrar said as soon as I feel happy that I have control of the pedals, I can drive.

I have to use both crutches to walk at the moment, and wean myself off them over the next 2 weeks, but I have a pretty good range of movement in the joint.

I plan to go and sit in my car after the weekend and see how confortable it is to use the pedals, and obviously I won't go out onto the roads until I am happy I could perform an emergency stop if necessary.

My question is: if I still need the crutches to walk, but am comfortable (and safe) driving, would I be allowed to drive legally? If someone saw me getting out of my car and then using crutches, and decided to report me, would the police/my insurance be satisfied if I could perform all manouvers safely?

Thank you in advance for any help, I searched google but a lot of the questions were American, not many answers relating to the UK.

bigjl.

What has your doctor said?

If given the ok by him you should be able to drive the bench mark is usually can you do an emergency stop.

Also it may be worth speaking to your insurance company.

custardy

http://www.mybrokenleg.com/faq/detail.html?id=10

Nearly_Old

Not my ankle or leg but 2 years ago I smashed (the doctor's description) my wrist - 3 hour op with metal bits and screws. As I recovered I asked the consultant at the fracture clinic, my own GP and the physiotherapist about driving and the answer was: "When you decide that it is safe for you to drive".

As the GP explained nobody is going to say "You can drive in xx days/weeks/ months" as in the event of an accident they would become part of any subsequent action. Unfortunately not everybody is going to be as sensible as they should be when faced with this situation.

scheming_gypsy

people in wheel chairs and / or who use crutches constantly, are still able to drive. You're using the crutches to support your ankle when putting your full body weight on it and you're not doing that when you're driving.

Kilty_2

Which ankle is it?

It took a good few weeks after having the cast removed from my left ankle before I could drive again - I'd imagine if you are still on crutches then it's not going to be a good idea. Proper recovery is far more important than being able to drive at the moment (I'm still having trouble with my ankle and I'm convinced it's due to overdoing it shortly after having the cast removed )

thegirlintheattic

As long as you can safely operate all the controls as normal then no problem. In an accident it may however be used against you. My dad drove (with doctor's approval) whilst he had his lower leg in plaster. He however found it too tiring after a few tries so gave up whilst the plaster was on. So you might want to give it a go with another driver in the car first.

The website earlier in the thread is based on Canada so I would take little notice.

cyclonebri1

You seem to be approaching the matter correctly, and as you realise the only way you can determine if you can drive safely now the doctor has given you the nod is to try.
They will allways say don't drive for say 6 weeks but leave it to your discretion after that.

Take someone out with you and avoid town centre driving, braking/clutch etc. The other party is going to be able to judge if you're performing safely and if they are insured to drive your car so much the better as the return leg (scuse the pun), may be the more difficult.;);)

I too had a similar issue about 4 years ago, the above worked for me.

birkee

There will be bans from driving for specific illnesses and ailments, otherewise there is nothing to stop you driving at any time.
With the conditions you quote, it would be impossible to specify how long one shouldn't drive for. Too many variables.

You have to use your judgement on whether you can operate the car reliably, and for a right ankle, that would be doing an emergency stop, and not involving delayed reactions due to the injury.
It's possible, that in the circumstances, holding your foot in a postion to operate the accelerator over an extended period, may cause cramp or muscle spasm in a recovering injury.
So, it's judgement and common sense I'm afraid.

naughty_10382

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I went to a quiet ind. estate this evening with someone else in the car and I felt safe and was able to do 2 emergency stops.

Not going to go mad and drive hundreds of miles :rotfl:, but this means I can go back home this week and then I still have a week left of sick before going back to work to sort my place out.

Kilty_2

Glad to hear it - take it easy though. Hope you make a full recovery .