If I had £1 for every time someone looked at me with one raised eyebrow and tilted to ask me if my car is an automatic, I could honestly buy a Lamborghini.
If you drive an automatic, smashin! I have nothing against automatics. What I do have something against though, is folk assuming I can’t drive a manual.
When I was 17 I went to a simulation test centre to get a feel for how I was going to be able to drive and manage the pedals. There were no major issues and I learned to drive in a manual car. That’s the last I really thought about it and I’ve been driving for 10 years now.
My driving technique is quite different to the norm, if you think about the ankle movements when you drive. Toe pointing and management mostly through lifting and pushing away your toes. In splints the ankle doesn’t move – in mine, at all! All of the movement, acceleration, braking and clutch control is done through my knees and quads.
I’m an excellent driver too, if I do say so myself.
I’ve driven, as I say, for 10 years, in the UK, New Zealand and Thailand. I enjoy driving to clear my head. With passengers, solo, automatic, manual, campervans, following sat nav, guessing where I’m going, road trips, round trips, traffic jams, open roads.
Driving is a HUGE part of my independence.
Ask me what type of car I have. How long I’ve had it for, ask what colour it is, if I like driving. Phrase it more balanced – do you drive auto or manual?
Anything.
Please do not, whether it’s intentional or not, make an assumption that reduces me to my disability then act shocked when I tell you that I drive a manual.
Please.
SPLINT UP, LOOK SHARP 