One of the most common questions people ask is can blind people drive? The answer is yes, and there are a number of reasons why. To understand the full scope of this question, it’s important to know what blindness means in this context. Blindness does not refer to total vision loss but rather an inability or difficulty with seeing objects clearly enough to navigate safely. This can happen for many reasons including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy just to name a few.
This post will cover some basics on how blind drivers can still operate vehicles safely as well as provide tips for driving with someone who has low vision or is legally blind.
can blind people drive – One of the most common questions people ask is can blind people drive? The answer is yes, and there are a number of reasons why. To understand the full scope of this question, it’s important to know what blindness means in this context. Blindness does not refer to total vision loss but rather an inability to see with enough clarity to navigate safely. This can happen for many reasons including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy just to name a few.
When driving with someone who is blind or has low vision there are some things you should do; first make sure that the person driving can see your face. It can be the difference between a new driver who’s never driven alone before and one who gets their license renewed once every other year.
what they can’t do – Blind or low vision people cannot get behind the wheel of an automobile without assistance from another person in most states; this is because it would be illegal to do so under most driving laws.
can they do it? When a person legally blind or low vision gets behind the wheel, this is usually because their helper has told them that there are no other cars around and also informed them about any pedestrians in the road. The driver may even be able to see a little bit of what’s happening all around them.
can they see? Yes, but it would be like looking through a brown paper bag or watching TV with the brightness turned way down so that you can barely make out what’s happening on-screen. The driver will use their helper as an extra set of eyes and ears to guide them safely wherever they need to go .
can they drive? Yes, a person with low vision can legally operate a vehicle. They may be able to detect brake lights and turn signals because that is how their helper will guide them. The driver’s helper must always communicate what is happening around the car at all times so that the driver knows what to do next in order for them to avoid any collisions.
can they get a driver’s licence? Yes, but it will take some getting used to . The person with low vision needs the DMV examiner to tell them what each letter on the license means so that they know which of their helper is holding up or pointing out relevant objects for them. It can be hard to read the letters and numbers on a license from an angle, so they may need to lean forward or put their head down. They are also likely not used to reading cursive writing in documents like this one because you can’t hold up words on a page as well when you’re blind as someone who can see them.
how do blind people read? The truth is that many blind individuals can learn to read braille, but it takes a lot of practice. Braille can be difficult for them because they need to keep their fingers on each line or block in order to know where they are and which direction the next letter will go.
what about eating with silverware ? Blind people can eat with the same silverware usually, but it may be difficult for them to identify what is on their plate. If they need help identifying food without eating it first, a companion could ask if there are vegetables or meats and then guide them onto those foods as appropriate.
Most blind drivers use adaptive technology like a cane or a guide dog to navigate. A blind driver can also learn how to use their other senses, such as sound, touch and smell, in order to identify dangers on the road ahead of time.
Blind people have different needs than sighted people because they are not able to see as well. They will need adaptiational technology or other assistance if they want to participate in activities like cooking, reading and driving.
Blind people can read with the help of a specialized piece of adaptive technology called a screen reader that reads aloud what is on the page to them. They can have their books delivered digitally so they do not need physical copies.
