I’ve never been good with my hands.  Give me wood, hammer & nails and I’ll build you absolutely nothing worthwhile.  Unless you count bent nails and smashed fingertips.  (My fingernails look like a “Goth” craftsman!)

So when it was recommended I get hand controls to drive my car, I hesitated.  But, because I was physically lifting my right leg and moving it from the gas pedal to the brake; I realized this wasn’t a safe way to drive.

Before they would install hand controls, I had to complete a driver’s training course.  The training took several hours but was well worth the time.  Julie, my instructor, told me my current method of driving (lifting my legs) was nothing.  She said she once had a guy who used a stick to press the accelerator & brake.  Imagine that–you may have shared the road with this guy!

Later, my hand controls were installed and it was off to the races!

Not so fast Speed Racer!

Because you have to develop some driver’s confidence (much like you did when you were just learning to drive), it takes a little time to become comfortable with hand controls.  I started slow, avoiding heavy traffic, but quickly became acclimated.

Now there ARE activities that can be quite difficult to accomplish while using hand controls.  Like itching & scratching.  Which is why I have developed a new driving product I call “Sandpaper Underwear”…..

Put an end to jock itch.

Also, there are several activities you should avoid altogether.

No eating.

No picking.

No drinking.

To summarize…..No Burgers.  No Boogers.  No Bourbon. 

Hand controls definitely make it more difficult to give “courtesy gestures” to other drivers.  Therefore, I am currently working on a new product….

The "Flip Stick."

All in all, hand controls for your car can help you restore independence and improve quality of life.  They make driving safer than lifting your leg or using a stick!  Talk to your doctor, a driver’s training professional or a medical equipment specialist to learn more about hand controls.

Disclaimer: 

My Odd Sock is not an authority on anything, just an idiot on everything.

                                           *     *     *     *     *     *     *