lol, Cherie !! me too...

WHY is there no BRAKE pedal on the floor of the front passenger-seat ??

a steering wheel would be nice as well.

I'm thinking, like, the way small planes have TWO sets of controls, for pilot and copilot... that'd work for me !

see, MS and control issues don't go well together...

and my propensity for backseat driving doesn't go well with my vision issues either.

all joking aside, at this point (20 years, 4 months of MS) it's definitely LESS stress for me to just be passenger, however nervous.

I pray, practice slow deep breathing, and force myself to look out the SIDE window, at the view (instead of visually concentrating on the road, attempting to keep the vehicle where I want it, solely with EYE POWER)

when my symptoms are acting up, and my self-control is less rigorous, I just opt to stay at home, so I won't turn into a NAG, or a whimpering basket case.

it's not that my husband's driving is bad (he's actually quite good, just goes a little faster than I would)

it's the potholed ROADS here, the pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, dogs, etc.

the roads are narrow, mostly unpaved, and constantly have dogs, chickens, and children crossing.

the bikes have NO headlights, reflectors, or mirrors, and bicyclists have had no safety courses, and don't wear helmets... they ride double all the time, and sometimes with children.

pickup truck beds are OFTEN filled with half-a-dozen (or more!) people, sitting, and even STANDING.

driver training here is minimal, and I think I've seen police patrolling maybe ONCE in three years.

AND, the "rules of the road" here are different, one pulls to the RIGHT, and STOPS before making a left turn (the roads are too narrow for center-waiting)

and there's charming things like one-way bridges with NO visibility of oncoming traffic:

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4817/sideimg18kf2.jpg

traffic accidents are the 4th leading cause of death in Belize.

I still drive but only in the local area. The farthest I drive is about
20 miles and that is because it is a drs. appt.

Most of the time I go with a friend or DD.

Each day is so different as you know,that most of the time I am
at home being a hermit.

When DH was alive, there was no problem I went with him.

Now I have been having more flares closer together that I am even
nervous to drive local.

I pray the day will never come that I can't drive myself at all. That
little bit of independence to know I can just go to the local store is letting
me keep my sanity.

Jappy :grouphug:

About three years ago the neuropsychologist suggested I might consider giving up driving in about three years.

I quit (more or less) then. Since I had recently separated I didn't have a vehicle anyway.

Public transportation to the grocery store and back. Means more trips than with a car but safer.

http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1063219

When in doubt - don't.

Thanks Cricket, but, of course, that accident could have happened to anyone, and I would not let it stop me from driving, if I was sure of my ability to do so, safely.

Having said that, I have to admit, there were times, when I drove, only to realize, while I was behind the wheel, that I wasn't 100%....either, in the earlier years, b/c I had a drink that went straight to my head or, in the later years, b/c of a MS symptom that arose.In both of those instances, I gingerly, got myself and my loaded vehicle, slowly and safely, home. :eek:

In the later years, with my MS getting worse, I didn't drive much at all and not long distances, b/c, I knew that an MS SX could arise at anytime. I would not drive, at all, if I was having any MS SX, before getting into the car/van.

When It came time, in 2006, to renew my DL, I hadn't been driving for nearly 2 years, so chose not to renew. I was 65, at the time. It's a P.I.T.A, but safer for all.:p

This is a choice for every individual to make on his/her own and we all know, in our hearts and minds, when the time has come, to stop driving...MS or no MS..:cool:

The BMV will give a driver's license to just about anyone, so it's up to us to know when........

Yup....it's a real bummer!!!! Especially so for any of you in your "younger" years who can no longer drive. I was fortunate in that I was able to drive into my sixties. Ouch! Every time I write or say that "s" word, I can't believe it pertains to me!!!!!

As I posted a while ago, I've sold my car and now have no vehicle. For doctor appointments, my two friends or daughter-in-law drive me. And yes, I'm a nervous Nellie too -- always wanted to be in control. They also shop for me, pick up stuff at the drug store, even go to the bank for me. Now that the spasticity has gotten so bad in my legs, it's almost impossible to get into a car let alone use the pedals. The fatigue is so horrible that just getting dressed and ready to go is a major operation. Going "out" isn't fun anymore.

I'm sure a few years ago this would have been a traumatic event -- not driving -- but since I've been to Walmart only ONCE this past year and out to dinner a couple times, I've gotten used to being a house plant. Just another thing MS has taken away and something else to wrap our brain around (such as it is). I pray all you "youngin's" will keep going......and going.......and going. Take care!:)

I'm really appreciating all the responses so far and your willingness to share.

One of my neighbors asked me recently, "So how long are they going to let you keep driving?" I stood there with my mouth open for a few seconds, then said something clever like "Uh...my driving is fine, thank you."

And it is. Fatigue is a big problem, so I plan well. My "trips" are early in the day, and if I have to go very far I stay overnight. I do NOT do well in heavy, fast traffic, so I avoid it. I get off the interstate and go around major merge in/merge out spots, especially at busy times of day.

Other than that, my eyesight is fine, reflexes good, no trouble moving my foot from gas to brake. (It's my left leg that is giving me trouble)

I have always been a white-knuckle passenger, and dread the possibility of not being able to drive myself. My husband gave up his license several years ago, my daughter is moving a couple hours away, and I might (might) ride with my son in an emergency, such as I was bleeding from a major artery.

I'm not a city girl, but I guess I need to look at the possibility of relocating, if necessary, to where there is public transportation.

I know I can't cross the bridge until I come to it, but I like to do a little advance planning--how high and wide is the bridge, etc. The day might never come, or not for many years, but I'd like to get my mind wrapped around the idea just in case, and it helps to know how others cope.

I know what you mean, B2Y. My oldest son drives like a maniac! He's a police officer.....and still drives like he's chasing someone on his "off" days! I don't like riding with him. Last time I rode with him I kept my head down so I couldn't see the road. He asked me "are you praying?". I said "yeah!". :o

I have not driven in 3 years, took myself off road so no one else could and retain my license for picture ID and "in case". Being PPMS know it won't get better but drove until my 50s. DH takes me places and DD and DS got their licenses and DD knows you just have to make a roadtrip spur of the moment sometimes to CVS or to get chocolate items at certain places. DH built me a ramp to pool and a sidewalk to gate and car, but to fit in space allowed ramp is twice as steep as ADA says!! Makes an exciting trip down. AAAAAAHHH!!!
Luckily have a powerchair, pushing me up in a manual might kill them. Not driving is a big loss to me, but for the safety of others, needed to be done.

Dennis drives me everywhere. He's very good about it, but I do wish I didn't have to rely on him so much. I think one of the things that bothers me most is the little things, like running out for milk. Or, if I'm in the middle of cooking a nice suprise dinner for him after a hard day of work and its put on hold because I suddenly realize I didn't have as much flour as I thought. I can't just run out for it, I won't have dinner ready and on the table for him like I wanted. He, of course doesn't mind, but it's those little things that really get to me.

So, get this. While I was at the mobility place getting Jim's ramp fixed the mechanic comes in and asks "So, Jim hit any bean fields lately? If you guys remember, when Jim was able to drive again after four years, his hand control got caught and he coasted towards a bean field. lol

I still haven't told Jim that he said that. He (Jim) says I will never let him forget that. Gotta keep him on his toes right?