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Driving with dyspraxia: tips from IAM RoadSmart

Drivers with conditions such as dyspraxia, which affects hand-eye coordination, short term memory and spatial awareness often travel not noticing their condition and find it more challenging using the road than others. Some are even unaware that they are suffering from a coordination disorder. This week’s tips give advice on driving with dyspraxia, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

  • Try driving in an automatic car.Less co-ordination is needed and there is less to worry and think about.

     

  • Plan a journey for success. Write down the directions to your destination and clip them to the dashboard.

     

  • Take a break. If you are finding it difficult to concentrate plan you journey well in advance so that you know where you can have frequent stops.

     

  • If you have map reading problems, reverse maps can help and/or computer navigation systems.

     

  • Get a check-up. If you feel like you are or have been suffering from some of the symptoms book an appointment with you doctor or GP. A health check for you is like an MOT for your car.

For more information about dyspraxia, the diagnosis and treatments available and support for individuals and families, as well as advice for professionals, contact the Dyspraxia Foundation website or call its helpline on 01462 454986.

Richard said: “You don’t have to notify DVLA if you have dyspraxia but we would recommend that you talk with specialist charities and mobility centres who can help ensure your driving career is as safe as possible.  With the right advice, a few practical adjustments and lots of practice you can look forward to enjoying the freedom of the road.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Richard Gladman is IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards.
  2. IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups

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