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Handicaped Driver Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by idartist45, Aug 1, 2014.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Aug 1, 2014 #1
    idartist45

    idartist45 Bobtail Member

    16
    10
    Mar 4, 2012
    Meridian, Idaho
    0
    I drove for Willis Shaw and was driving for May trucking when vascular problems forced me off the road. I am 69 yrs old by the way.I ended up having my right leg amputated below the knee. I am now issue free. I surrendered my CDL in 93. I am now in the process of going thru the red tape and waivers towards getting my CDL back. I have taken all the written tests and aced them, have my permit and have been doing a lot of driving in both and automatic and 10 speed tractors. Doing ok but is there anyone out there in the same position that could share some advice with me? How did you overcome and compensate. Believe me there are some challenges. I never had a ticket, accident or lost a truck, and am determined to drive again.
    Thanks in advance.
    Bill
     
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    #1
    K100, BrenYoda883 and double yellow Thank this.
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  3. Aug 1, 2014 #2
    bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

    1,189
    1,311
    Nov 1, 2013
    0
    No advice to give, but good for you for going after what you want. Good luck.
     
    bergy, Aug 1, 2014
    bergy, Aug 1, 2014
    #2
    Puppage and BrenYoda883 Thank this.
  4. Aug 1, 2014 #3
    Puppage

    Puppage Road Train Member

    4,259
    7,365
    Aug 2, 2012
    Connecticut
    0
    I'll second what bergy said. Best of luck to you.
     
    Puppage, Aug 1, 2014
    Puppage, Aug 1, 2014
    #3
  5. Aug 1, 2014 #4
    BrenYoda883

    BrenYoda883 Road Train Member

    1,248
    1,422
    Sep 18, 2013
    0
    Wow... that is moving and inspirational... I dont have any advice.. but I do wish you all the best and I hope you keep us updated.... I really admire your drive and determination....
     
    BrenYoda883, Aug 1, 2014
    BrenYoda883, Aug 1, 2014
    #4
    Puppage Thanks this.
  7. Aug 1, 2014 #5
    idartist45

    idartist45 Bobtail Member

    16
    10
    Mar 4, 2012
    Meridian, Idaho
    0
    Thank you very much, I'll get there soon. Government just makes you jump thru a lot of hoops.
     
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    #5
  8. Aug 1, 2014 #6
    idartist45

    idartist45 Bobtail Member

    16
    10
    Mar 4, 2012
    Meridian, Idaho
    0
    Thanks much. Bill
     
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    #6
  9. Aug 1, 2014 #7
    idartist45

    idartist45 Bobtail Member

    16
    10
    Mar 4, 2012
    Meridian, Idaho
    0
    I am stubborn and WILL make it. Only hard thing is matching RPM with speed, but getting the hang of it. WAY different with no feeling in your foot. I also need to drive the same tractor all the time so I get the feel of where the foot needs to be. Thank you for your support. Bill
     
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    idartist45, Aug 1, 2014
    #7
  10. Aug 1, 2014 #8
    flybynight1

    flybynight1 Light Load Member

    62
    24
    Jun 23, 2014
    0
    trailer brake to stop
     
    flybynight1, Aug 1, 2014
    flybynight1, Aug 1, 2014
    #8
  11. Aug 1, 2014 #9
    Pahrump

    Pahrump Medium Load Member

    453
    391
    Jul 27, 2014
    Grand Tetons When I took The Pic
    0
    Been there too almost after a bad auto accident 19 years ago, 16 operations and 2 years in a wheel chair, was told I would never walk again or drive a truck,was lucky doctor saved my leg after a year and other doctors wanted to cut it off, since then I have done over 1 1/2 million safe miles , Keep your spirits up, believe in your self and stay determined you will succeed..BTW I know several drivers over 75 and still on the road.
     
    Pahrump, Aug 1, 2014
    Pahrump, Aug 1, 2014
    #9
  12. Aug 1, 2014 #10
    double yellow

    double yellow Road Train Member

    5,946
    10,066
    Aug 28, 2011
    State of Jefferson
    0
    Congrats and good luck to you Bill. Have you looked into hand controls for the throttle? If it were me, I'd probably put a broadie knob on the left side of the steering wheel & rig up something like a bicycle brake lever on my shifter to control the throttle. Maybe even put a 2nd one beside it for the clutch. Thumb, pinky, & palm control shifter, index finger control throttle, middle finger clutch, ring finger the narrowed range selector...
     
    double yellow, Aug 1, 2014
    double yellow, Aug 1, 2014
    #10
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