Driving with injury

[MissCommando]

In addition to my husband's other ailments, he has now fallen and broken his elbow (not ideal when you're on crutches). They've not put it in plaster incase the bone doesn't set properly, so he's just got an elbow support and collar and cuff. In such circumstances, is he still ok to drive from a legal perspective?

Phoned the DVLA earlier and they said check with Dr. He drives an automatic.

Thanks

[daisya]

Help! Poor soul, best wait til the DVLA give the ok on that one as it sounds a bit risky to me. How on earth will be drive safely being in a cast and a support collar, don't think I would like to chance it myself.

[daisya]

Oops sorry I read that wrongly, I see he isn't in a plaster cast just an elbow support.

[islasmum]

I think that you might have to ask your insurance company as well as the DVLA if you want to be absolutely sure he's safe.

[boxtops]

I would say no, surely he can't be in full control of the car?

[welshlibranr]

Oh what a shame MissC, he should contact his insurers really, often if you have an injury your insurance can be invalid!...............Best to check it out!..........

[boxtops]

Yes good point - if he had an accident and his injuries were exacerbated by a collision, they could claim nondisclosure.

[milly143]

My case is slightly different as it was my leg but when I had an operation recently I wondered about driving. Nobody had told me I wasn't to drive so I asked the nurse who was doing my dressings. She advised me that if I wasn't able to stamp my foot on the floor without pain then I could not drive. If I had chosen to drive and had an accident, the chances are my insurance would not pay out. So perhaps it's the same, if he could not perform an emergency stop without pain, then he shouldn't be driving.

[joeluke]

Surely someone with a broken elbow can't grip the steering wheel with both hands at all times safely enough to drive?

If not then they shouldn't be on the road as they are a danger to themselves and other road users