Everyone’s Parkinson’s is different. Therefore, when you no longer drive is different for everyone is as well. We all need to pay attention to what we are doing and make that decision whrn the time comes.

I've stopped driving completely. It wasn't worth the risk. If I lived alone I would have groceries delivered to me and my medication. I have that option where I live but for now, my partner drives us around.

DaleBurton

Definitely.

In my last job I was a sales rep on the road up to 200 miles per day.

Not now!

I usually wait to run errands on the weekend when my husband is home and he drives 95% of the time.

Driving is one of those skills that, the more you use, the better you are.

The less you use, the worse your skills get.

I added up the miles I drove for my on the road jobs over 40 years for government and industry and it was over 3 million.

What a surprise that I don't care whether I ever drive again.

So...I am rusty.

And one of my least favorite symptoms is anxiety.

Rust and anxiety are not a good combination behind the wheel 😕 and I'm sure my reaction time isn't getting any better as the years add up.

As you said so thoughtfully how we approach Driving With Parkinsons is a very individual thing.

LisaofMI

Hi Lisa,

I think you should do what YOU think is the right thing for YOU.

No one knows how you feel behind the wheel like you do.

If driving in certain situations makes you edgy don't do it.

I usually feel just fine driving 🚗.

But on certain days, I take off and feel anxious within a couple of miles.

I know that is my cue to turn around and go home!

I don't care why I was going out.

Nothing is more important than my safety and the safety everyone else on the road.

I have found that if I force myself to continue and push forward my driving is not good after that feeling hits.

I have driven over the line slightly off the road, and slightly into the other lane.

Slightly.....

But where would it have gone from there?

I know that it's not a good thing, so I go home!

Trust your instincts.

Don't push yourself.

Take good care, okay?

I found that I was a hazard to myself and everyone else. I stopped at red lights, and then proceeded through them as if they were stop signs.

There were many other bone head things like that, but I needn’t list them all. Someone was going to get hurt or far worse, and I couldn’t risk that.

It’s important not to lie to yourself with this disease. Be honest with your individual assessment. A lot hangs in the balance. It’s easy to say “I don’t need exercise”, but your only hurting yourself. If you give Parkinson’s an opening, it will take everything away.