Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

I know, it sounds funny, but in my experience, we are currently hiring a hearing impaired person who has a driver's license. My coworker and I are completely baffled but she showed it to us and it checks out through the DMV. I do not understand, how do they hear sirens, horns beeping, etc? If anyone has more info, I would love to know.

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

My uncle is deaf and he drives and has been driving since he was young - he's 71 yrs old now.

I don't think they need to hear sirens -- they can seem them flashing, they can also see red lights turn green, and vice versa

I mean I know I have been driving with the radio blasting singing along many times - I would never hear a siren behind me until I see cars pulling over and see sirens in my rearview mirror

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

you think that's bad? my parents have a neighbor who is legally BLIND and she drives during the day!

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

you think that's bad? my parents have a neighbor who is legally BLIND and she drives during the day!

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

you think that's bad? my parents have a neighbor who is legally BLIND and she drives during the day!

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

Posted by baghag

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

you think that's bad? my parents have a neighbor who is legally BLIND and she drives during the day!

OMG, how is that even possible?

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

Well, it would surprise you what people can do. If someone checks out okay with the DMV, then more power to him or her. Deaf people have excellent sensory and perception skills, in many cases.

My sister basically has no feeling in her lower body, or, very little. She drives with hand controls and is just as good a driver as I am....driving with hand controls is no easy feat! My father taught himself how to do it, just so he could teach his daughter to drive....so that the experience would be "normal"--how so many other dads teach their kids to drive.

Also, so many people drive with the radio so loud, they can't even hear the horn beeping!


Now, blind is another story!

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

Both of my mother's parents were deaf all of their lives and they both drove. In fact they were good drivers. They were just more alert at all times to watch for ambulances, and were more cautious at stop signs. They never got into an accident all of their years of driving.

Etd to add that I am much more concerned about teenagers, and those who blare their music and don't pay attention b/c they not only can't hear but they aren't sharp enough.

Message edited 11/8/2006 12:57:56 PM.

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

Thank you for the insight, I was completely unaware!

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers

My nephew is deaf and he drives

Re: Sort of Spinoff to Red's post about Epileptic Drivers..Deaf Drivers