Crystaljune
Newbie
Posts: 2
Joined: Jan 2014
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My driving is definitely affected by SPD; I have been in countless accidents. I was knocked completely unconscious in my last one. I've never experienced any type of injury before this one, but I have totaled two vehicles counting my most recent. My airbags deployed in both. All of the accidents I've had would have been easily avoidable for someone without SPD. My klutzy behavior and jerky movements definitely make me a very poor driver. I excel and brake very abruptly and quickly because of my inability to apply to appropriate amount of pressure at the correct time. I have a lot of trouble getting around as well. I can never figure out where I am in relation to where I am trying to go. Maps are completely useless to me. I know how to get to places because I remember what road name I am on and by the landmarkers I create in my head. I have to completely map out every turn before I go somewhere, unless its a part of my daily routine. There are times when i absolutely cannot remember how to get somewhere I've driven to several times before. I've been driving since I was 16 and am now 32. Most of my accidents have been because of animals, particularly deer, running out in front of me. I lived in the country when I was in high school and part of college, so I hit well over my fair share. I now know it is because I absolutely did not see them until it was right in front of my car. Or possibly because I couldn't react in the appropriate way at the appropriate time. In order to not be overloaded with all the sensory info that is so distracting to me, I have to put all my focus directly on the road in front of me. I've also hit somebody's car in a parking lot because of my inability to determine where I was in relation to their vehicle. This has happened 3 or 4 times. I really do try to be more aware in the car, but there is just so much going on around me that I can't always dictate the sensory information I need and do not need. I've never allowed this to keep me from driving, though. Admittedly though, I never drive unless there is absolutely no one who can. I'm always the passenger in any situation where I'm traveling with someone else. If I go pick someone up, I immediately give the driver's seat of my car up to them because I know I'm not a good driver. This is a well known fact to everyone in my life, so it goes without saying that I'm the passenger. I know this isn't very encouraging, but I went 15 years without knowing anything about SPD and have driven countless miles accident free. sure, I've been in more wrecks than most people, sure I slam on the accelerator too hard, and yeah, I can get lost in my own neighborhood, but it gets easier and starts to make more sense over time. SPD gives me an understanding of why I struggle with driving, so I am able to apply the knowledge I have now that I was completely oblivious of until recently, directly to my driving. It has really helped me. Equipped with your knowledge of SPD, you are aware of what you struggle with, maybe OT can help you learn ways to work with and around your sensory issues. You can do it!!
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01-06-2014, 10:43 AM |
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