The car use of young drivers with spina bifida and hydrocephalus

This study aimed to collect information on the car use and driving experiences of drivers with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their disabled and able-bodied peers. A questionnaire was completed by 36 drivers with spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH) and two control groups, 36 able-bodied (AB) drivers and 14 drivers with cerebral palsy (CP). Results indicated that although those with SBH and CP took longer to learn to drive than their AB peers and reported more difficulties during the tuition period, the nature of the difficulties experienced were the same for all groups. In the first year of driving those with SBH and CP reported a lower weekly mileage but a higher number of accidents than their able-bodied peers. The SBH group were also less likely to travel on unfamiliar routes and reported greater difficulties with route planning and route following. Many drivers from both disabled and able-bodied groups reported difficulties with parking and reversing during the first year of driving and would have welcomed advice in these (and other) areas. Many SBH and CP drivers were unable to use service stations independently due to physical difficulties, and some would have liked advice on how to use the equipment. Although most drivers considered that being able to drive had given them more freedom and independence, the provision of on-going advice and training was needed to develop driving skills in the early years as a qualified driver.