Wrist splints & driving - a warning

Wonkylegs

HI all,

well I have had a shock today ..... and thought I would warn any of you who, like me, have not been given some important information about wrist splints & driving.

A number of years ago when my wrists were particularly troublesome, I was given some wrist splints by the physiotherapy service, for when I was doing tasks that put strain on my wrists, in order to protect them. I have worn them on and off ever since, sometimes not for a long time, and then I find I need them again like the last few months.

They are the ones which have velcro fastenings and have a piece of metal which runs along the inside of your wrist and up into your palm. I have RA but Sometimes these are also prescribed for people with carpal tunnel.

Mine are now worn out and I rang my rheumy nurse to find out how to go about getting a new pair. She told me that I needed a referral to the OT as they are not supposed to give them out now without a proper assessment of need. Fair enough I thought.

Then the bombshell ..... when she asked what tasks I used them for & driving was mentioned she said
'do not drive with your wrist splints on - you will not be covered by your insurance as they have not been made specifically for you to drive in' :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

that is the first time that not driving in them has ever been mentioned to me.

I thought I woudl share the warning ..... I have been unknowingly putting myself in the position of doing something which would invalidate my insurance. :shock: at least I know now.

am waiting for an appointment for an OT assessment ..... not sure how long that will take. :roll:

dorcas

Whaaaaatttt!!!

I can't believe what you have been told ':shock:'

I drive with the same type of splints on both wrists...can't function without them. I was told at the Driving Assessment Centre in July this year that it is OK to drive with splints! in fact I'm going back for re-assessment on 11th January and was reminded by the centre to be sure to wear them...confused or what! ':?'

I think I'll be phoning Motabilty in the morning to get their views...if it's right what you've been told and the insurance comps will not cover me I will not be able to drive any more, crivvens!...':('

thanks though for the warning..':)' Iris x

trisher

Hi Wonkey

Good you found that out. Who would have thought that?

Well, at least you know now. Thanks for passing it on.

Trisher xx

Wonkylegs

dorcas wrote:

Whaaaaatttt!!!

I can't believe what you have been told ':shock:'

I drive with the same type of splints on both wrists...can't function without them. I was told at the Driving Assessment Centre in July this year that it is OK to drive with splints! in fact I'm going back for re-assessment on 11th January and was reminded by the centre to be sure to wear them...confused or what! ':?'

I think I'll be phoning Motabilty in the morning to get their views...if it's right what you've been told and the insurance comps will not cover me I will not be able to drive any more, crivvens!...':('

thanks though for the warning..':)' Iris x

sorry didn't want to worry anyone, just was stunned about what I was told ... and horrified that for 6+ years I have been apparently doing something wrong. She said that the OT's might make me some custom driving 'gloves' to help, and that they woudl be ok because they were designed both for me and for the purpose.

I hope you are fine - and it sounds like you should be with your car being motobility and them having done an assessment when you were wearing your splints.

As for me, I'm taking no chances since I have been told strictly not to wear them, and will not be doing so.

Am seeing GP on Wednesday and will ask her for her thoughts too.
Might ring helplines people tomorrow if I get chance to see if there is anything else that I might need to know about driving and arthritis.

please don't worry - I didn't want to worry anyone :oops:

annebr

I have worked in Finance and insurance on and off for a number of years and I think the best thing in this situation is contact your individual insurance company. They will then say whether or not you are covered or may add an additional premium.

It is ok for Mobility and OT's to say what they think is and isn't covered but each policy has it's own clauses usually in the small print. If you inform them and they cover you, you will be fine.

Anne

Wonkylegs

annebr wrote:

I have worked in Finance and insurance on and off for a number of years and I think the best thing in this situation is contact your individual insurance company. They will then say whether or not you are covered or may add an additional premium.

It is ok for Mobility and OT's to say what they think is and isn't covered but each policy has it's own clauses usually in the small print. If you inform them and they cover you, you will be fine.

Anne

thanks Anne for that advice .... it's always scary when you don't know all the facts ... good to see things from the other side ..... so I'll dig out the paperwork and give them a ring I think.

Oh joy .... another job to add to the list

dorcas

Wonkylegs wrote:

dorcas wrote:

Whaaaaatttt!!!

I can't believe what you have been told ':shock:'

I drive with the same type of splints on both wrists...can't function without them. I was told at the Driving Assessment Centre in July this year that it is OK to drive with splints! in fact I'm going back for re-assessment on 11th January and was reminded by the centre to be sure to wear them...confused or what! ':?'

I think I'll be phoning Motabilty in the morning to get their views...if it's right what you've been told and the insurance comps will not cover me I will not be able to drive any more, crivvens!...':('

thanks though for the warning..':)' Iris x

sorry didn't want to worry anyone, just was stunned about what I was told ... and horrified that for 6+ years I have been apparently doing something wrong. She said that the OT's might make me some custom driving 'gloves' to help, and that they woudl be ok because they were designed both for me and for the purpose.

I hope you are fine - and it sounds like you should be with your car being motobility and them having done an assessment when you were wearing your splints.

As for me, I'm taking no chances since I have been told strictly not to wear them, and will not be doing so.

Am seeing GP on Wednesday and will ask her for her thoughts too.
Might ring helplines people tomorrow if I get chance to see if there is anything else that I might need to know about driving and arthritis.

please don't worry - I didn't want to worry anyone :oops:

It's ok..don't you feel bad for letting us know'' far better that we found out sooner rather than later; honestly I'm glad you posted this so's we can check it out with the insurers.':)'

I think I probably should have informed them anyway about the splints as Anne rightly suggests; heavens, I've been wearing splints for years too..':oops:'':shock:'

If the worst comes to the worst and I have to stop driving then so be it, it's not the end of the world.....so please don't feel embarrassed by having said!!
It'll be interesting tomorrow to compare what our insurers' say. ':!:'Iris x

trisher

Hi Wonkey

Don't feel bad, you could have saved someone who has an accident a lot of money.

Finding out afterwards that the insurance company say they should have been informed that they use splints when driving.

Thank you Wonkey

Trish xx

jackie1955

Hi all!

I had my wrist splints earlier this year and was told NOT to wear them when driving by my OT.

Its so annoying when we keep getting conflicting advice from the 'profesionals' isn't it :x

Jackie

theresa4

[My OT was aware I was using them for driving as well as the usual lifting/pulling etc and said nothing I am just waiting for my insurers to ring me back. Surely it shouldnt be an issue it doesnt hamper my driving at all

page35

Hi all
i too was told not to wear splints for driving.
do any of you know do i have to tell car insurence that i have arthur?

frogmorton

Thanks for th thread Wonky
Will definietly check out and Page think we should check that too :shock:
Love
Toni xx

dorcas

Hi peeps,

I phoned Motability today......they advised that there is no problem with wearing wrist splints (even two wrist splints as I do) providing your GP/ or rheummy/ or the Driving Assessment Centre say that you are safe to drive with them on.''

That helps, but to be extra sure I'm going to ask for a covering letter from the Driving Centre and send it in to the Insurers. ':roll:'

How did everyone else get on when you spoke with your insurers?

Iris x

josiec

Hi, I was told by OT not to drive in splints as invalidates insurance, but as that was one of the times I needed them I contacted DVLA. As I understand it they have put a note on my file but were fine with it as long as I informed my insurance company. I did so and they were happy with it and I don't remember it having any effect on the cost. It is a pity that info isn't given consistenly, isn't it? Regards, Josie

sharmaine

Hi
I don't wear any splints but you make an intereting point. I took the precaution of advising my insurance company and DVLA that I had a Blue Badge and had OA. They didn't seem at all bothered.
I'm often concerned about driving with all the meds I take. These days I only drive as far as the village but on Friday I'm being brave and driving into the city!!! There are no warnings on the packets and I don't feel sleepy so I expect I'm ok but it does make you think.
What happens if you have a serious accident would you be liable because you're using prescribed medication on a long term basis???? Amitriptilines can make you feel very dopey until about 11.00 in the morning. I've started taking mine about 9.00 pm at night so I am at least coherent the following day and out of bed at a respectable time - 8.30 am!! At the moment I have to take 3 at night.

Perhaps you should give your insurance company a ring too!!

Regards
Sharmaine

Wonkylegs wrote:

HI all,

well I have had a shock today ..... and thought I would warn any of you who, like me, have not been given some important information about wrist splints & driving.

A number of years ago when my wrists were particularly troublesome, I was given some wrist splints by the physiotherapy service, for when I was doing tasks that put strain on my wrists, in order to protect them. I have worn them on and off ever since, sometimes not for a long time, and then I find I need them again like the last few months.

They are the ones which have velcro fastenings and have a piece of metal which runs along the inside of your wrist and up into your palm. I have RA but Sometimes these are also prescribed for people with carpal tunnel.

Mine are now worn out and I rang my rheumy nurse to find out how to go about getting a new pair. She told me that I needed a referral to the OT as they are not supposed to give them out now without a proper assessment of need. Fair enough I thought.

Then the bombshell ..... when she asked what tasks I used them for & driving was mentioned she said
'do not drive with your wrist splints on - you will not be covered by your insurance as they have not been made specifically for you to drive in' :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

that is the first time that not driving in them has ever been mentioned to me.

I thought I woudl share the warning ..... I have been unknowingly putting myself in the position of doing something which would invalidate my insurance. :shock: at least I know now.

am waiting for an appointment for an OT assessment ..... not sure how long that will take. :roll:

joyful164

Hello Wonky.

I had soft one given to me for the driving and the stiff ones to wear at other times. You need to contact them again and insist on a pair for driving.

As for driving at the moment I am unable to because of my medication and the fact that my left hand (gear change hand) is too painful to drive anyway, with or without the splint. So haven't driven for nearly 9 months now. fed up

Joy

dorcas

Hi Joy,
Sorry you can't drive just now because of meds and pain ':('
It's really frustrating!!

Have you thought about asking your doc to refer you to the Driving Assessment Centre? They are very helpful and will give advice on adaptations etc. It does take five months to be seen by them (at least that's how long it takes in Scotland) so might be worth your while talking to your doc to get things moving if that's what you decide to do.

I'm only permitted to drive automatics after my left wrist fusion and my licence had to be sent back to DVLA for amendment...but that's OK..at least it keeps me on the road at the moment. I have to go back in January for a review to the Centre and looks like they'll recommend some steering adaptations now. Don't know much about them but will post and ask others for advice.

This question about driving with splints and what different insurers and OTs are saying has certainly given us all something to think about! ':roll:' Iris x

woodbon

I have wrist splints and I found from the DVLA that it is an offence to drive with them on and you could be prosicuted for careless driving if seen by police or if you have an accident. I tried once when my wrists were bad, but only got a short distance. I found for me that I did'nt have proper control of the steering wheel and changing gear was easy to stall because my hands slipped. I've had to give up driving more than about 10 mins or so.
Sorry, maybe some kinds are different, more like strong gloves? Love Sue

Wonkylegs

had manic day today so not rung anyone yet ...... will do and will let you know but may be thursday before I can call anyone as tomorrow is full on.

thanks for all the posts

woodbon

Hi, No, I haven't tried that, and not really thought about it. May be I should see if I can try one out. My car is a nice comfortable one to sit and easy to get in and out of, but its the gears mainly, and parking or turning, when you use a lot of movements.

I do urge people who drive in splints with the metel bar to check, their isn't an offence of 'driving with splints' it just comes under the 'without due care and attention' round here the police will stop you and warn you. It makes it difficult on our very bendy roads, if you have splints, I have tried it. But its worth checking out again if you feel happy driving this way, as different staff may give different answers.
Love Sue

wallysatt

I was told about this a few years ago and I rang motability and they said that I don't need to tell them and it's fine to drive with splints. I guess it just depends on the insurance company.

I have some new splint from my OT called 'Isotoner'. They're just like tight gloves really and I've been driving with them on and have found them really useful. I also have a stearing knob and an adaption on my handbreak which was all done by motability and I've found it really useful.

Sally.

woodbine

dorcas wrote:

Hi peeps,

I phoned Motability today......they advised that there is no problem with wearing wrist splints (even two wrist splints as I do) providing your GP/ or rheummy/ or the Driving Assessment Centre say that you are safe to drive with them on.''

That helps, but to be extra sure I'm going to ask for a covering letter from the Driving Centre and send it in to the Insurers. ':roll:'

How did everyone else get on when you spoke with your insurers?

Iris x

I wear a splint which goes round my wrist and has a piece of metal that goes up the side of my thumb to support it, due to having OA in my hands. I use it mainly when ironing, writing or typing/mousing, so driving isn't usually an issue. I told my OT that my thumb joint starts to ache on longer journeys, and she told me that it's safe to wear it when driving, but that I should tell my Insurance Company that I'm doing so. She said that this is because it can couse a problem with an insurance claim otherwise.
Does that help the discussion at all? Not sure :?
Naomi

kernow

Hi All

I drive with two wrist splints and I have a spinner on my steering wheel, however I did inform my insurance company and it is listed on my policy. Just make sure you inform them of everything including if you have a blue badge.

The more you tell them the less chance of them wriggling out of paying a claim.

Ray

woodbon

Hello, I totally agree with the last comment. ALWAYS tell insurance companies as much information as possible, even if you don't think its relivent. If you are unlucky and have an expensive accident, the last thing you need is the insurance company trying to avoid payment. There was a programme on the TV, about holiday insurance, which were refusing to pay out as a medical condition had not been mentioned, even when that condition had nothing to do with the illness or accident suffered. I know is different, but, it got me thinking.

For insurance, too much medical information is better than too little!

Just by the way, one of the worst bits of driving I have ever seen is a police driver, driving on a busy city street, drinking from a can, he was comming towards me and mounted the pavement with his one hand steering the large, marked police car. I coudn't believe my eyes!!! :shock: This was over twenty years ago, I hope they would'nt dream of doing that now! :shock: :?
Love Sue

Wonkylegs

well I got a letter to ring the OT's and have now got an appointment for 4th Feb, so will have to see what they can do.

one interesting thing is that it comes from a senior specialist OT in Rheumatology, so for once it seems I might be talking to someone who knows what RA is

salsal

i was told to check with my insurance company before i drove in them