I drive a manual car and, to date, that hasn’t been a problem – just can be awkward on occasions getting in and out of the vehicle (having to lift and ‘swing’ my legs).  I have plans, however, that the next car will be an automatic, simply because I can’t predict the future.  My left leg has more weakness than the right so I figure no clutch might prove a bonus.

Another thing that could affect driving is the diminished concentration.  In the past I have always driven with audio entertainment – music, sport or chat.  On a recent trip I enjoyed listening to Richard Fidler’s ‘Conversations’ on ABC.  His guest was actor, Jack Thompson.  At the end of the enjoyable one hour conversation I realised that I had been driving on ‘remote’.  I could remember the conversation just fine, but not a thing about the physical journey. 

 In the past I used to glimpse envyingly at empty disabled car spaces occupying prime position.  And it was with some trepidation that I asked Dr Jim if I was eligible for a ‘cripple sticker’.  And if I wasn’t eligible for one, I wouldn’t have dared call what I now have on my dashboard a ‘cripple sticker’ – but that’s what we call it at home and I found it a useful term to alleviate the embarrassment my daughter showed when we used it for the first time.  While it is a ‘disabled’ sticker, I don’t like the term ‘disabled’ and, making fun of me and the sticker seemed to work.  And I reckon she’ll be damn pleased when Christmas shopping time rolls around again!

I only use disabled spaces sometimes.  If I’m having a day with good mobility, I park a distance from the shops on purpose, so I can get a bit of exercise.  You start to get to know what your body is capable of, distance-wise.  Some days I am mighty thankful to be able to access a shorter walk. 

I have, however, become a ‘sticker watcher’ and am amazed at how many people without disabilities use these spaces for convenience.  Rather than have parking inspectors patrol and check on this, I think legislation should be passed to allow anyone (abled, disabled and any age) who sees a car using a space without a sticker to let down the tyres on the car without penalty.  What fun for the kiddies!  I reckon the embarrassment and inconvenience would stop these selfish bastards quick time!!

I also recently signed up for ‘roadside assistance’ (RACQ – $33 joining fee and $74 for the year) – this is just an ‘insurance’ thing, mainly in case of the need to change a tyre.  The last time I had to do that it was a very clumsy exercise!

BTW – I keep my driver’s licence in my wallet, along with a few credit/debit cards, health cards and cash.  The other day I dropped my wallet in a car park and I thought… “Do I really need that?”

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