Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can happen in many ways, including from car accidents, sports injuries, or falls. While many people recover from concussions, they can still affect your ability to perform certain tasks, including driving. If you’ve recently experienced a concussion or know someone who has, you may be wondering, “Can I drive with a concussion?” The answer is not simple, and it’s important to understand the risks and signs of a concussion before making that decision.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain is jolted or hit, causing it to move inside the skull. This can lead to a temporary disruption in brain function. Symptoms of a concussion can vary, but common signs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating. While most people recover from a concussion, the severity of the injury can differ, and some people may experience lasting effects.
How Does a Concussion Affect Driving?
Driving requires a lot of focus, quick reflexes, and the ability to make decisions in real-time. A concussion can affect these abilities, even if you don’t realize it. For example, after a concussion, a person may experience:
- Slower reaction times – This can make it difficult to react quickly to sudden changes on the road.
- Dizziness or balance issues – These symptoms can make it unsafe to operate a vehicle, especially if you’re turning or stopping quickly.
- Headaches and visual disturbances – Bright lights, moving objects, and glare can be difficult to handle and may make driving more challenging.
- Difficulty concentrating – This can make it hard to focus on the road, other drivers, or important traffic signs.
Even if you feel like your symptoms have gone away, you might still be at risk. Research shows that people who have suffered a concussion may have issues with driving even days or weeks after their symptoms have subsided. A 2020 study found that people recovering from a concussion still had slower reaction times and sometimes drove erratically, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.
When Is It Safe to Drive After a Concussion?
The general recommendation is to avoid driving while you’re experiencing concussion symptoms. The first 24 to 48 hours after the injury are crucial for rest and recovery. During this time, it’s best to have someone else drive. After this initial period, it may still not be safe to get behind the wheel.
Many factors need to be considered before resuming driving, such as:
- How severe the concussion was.
- Whether any symptoms are still present, even if they seem mild.
- Your ability to focus and react quickly.
Most medical experts recommend waiting until all concussion symptoms have completely cleared before driving. Even then, it’s important to ease back into driving, starting with short trips and gradually increasing the length of your drives.
Can You Drive After the Symptoms Subside?
If you’ve had a concussion, you might feel better after a few days or weeks. However, just because you no longer feel symptoms like headaches or dizziness doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive. As mentioned earlier, a concussion can affect your brain’s ability to function properly, even after the obvious signs have faded.
A study conducted in 2020 showed that people who had suffered a concussion still had problems with driving behavior long after they felt better. These drivers showed erratic movements and slower responses, putting themselves and others at risk. This means that, even if your symptoms have gone, you should still take precautions before driving.
What Should You Do Before Driving After a Concussion?
Before you get behind the wheel again, it’s important to take a few steps:
- Consult your doctor – Only your healthcare provider can give you the green light to drive after a concussion. They will evaluate your condition and help determine when it’s safe for you to resume driving.
- Wait until all symptoms are gone – Make sure you’re completely symptom-free before considering driving again. This includes any lingering issues such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulty focusing.
- Start with short trips – When you do start driving again, begin with short distances and see how you feel. If you experience any discomfort or problems, stop driving and consult your doctor.
Special Considerations for Teen Drivers
Teenagers are at a higher risk of concussions due to sports and other activities. However, the risks of driving after a concussion are even higher for teens. Their developing brains may take longer to recover from a concussion, and they may not realize the effects the injury has on their driving abilities.
Parents should talk to their teens about the risks of driving after a concussion and monitor them for any lingering symptoms. It’s essential for parents to work with healthcare providers to ensure that their teen driver is ready to drive safely again.
Seek Legal Help
If you’ve had a concussion, it’s essential to take your recovery seriously. Driving with a concussion can be dangerous for you and others on the road. Always consult your doctor before resuming driving, and be honest about any lingering symptoms. Your health and safety should always come first.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident and sustained a concussion, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney. Our team at Friedman Injury Law is here to help you navigate your legal options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 970-4222 for a consultation.
