Whether you’ll be able to drive again after a traumatic brain injury in Maryland depends on your unique situation. There are different levels of severity and areas of the brain impacted. You must talk with your doctor about the possibility of driving again.
How TBIs affect driving
Traumatic brain injuries could slow your reaction time and impair your vision and focus. Even mild cognitive issues that you may be unaware of could negatively impact your driving skills. Traumatic brain injuries may also make it more difficult for you to maintain a constant position in a lane, reduce hand-eye coordination and make it more difficult to remember directions.
Seizures
If you had a seizure after your TBI, it may take longer for you to get back to driving. You might have to go six months without a seizure to be able to drive again.
Driving evaluations
You should receive a driving evaluation to know if you’re ready to return to driving. If you don’t pass the assessment on the first try, you could receive training to retrain yourself in driving.
Maryland requires that you inform the state of a traumatic brain injury, seizure and other types of health conditions. You’ll need approval from Driver Wellness and Safety Division (DW&S) to begin driving again.
Vehicle modifications
There are possible vehicle modifications to help you overcome physical limitations. Examples of available technology include spinner knobs for steering, hand-controlled gas and brake systems and lifts that assist you in entering and exiting the car.
Most people are able to drive again after a traumatic brain injury, but there’s a process you need to go through to legally and safely do so. You need a doctor’s approval as well as confirmation from Driver Wellness and Safety Division in Maryland.