You could find yourself in an orthopedic walking boot for many reasons, whether it be a broken bone, torn muscle, or severe sprain. While these boots promote healing and prevent further injury, they can make some everyday activities more difficult, particularly driving.
Dangers of Driving with an Orthopedic Boot
Driving with a walking boot, especially on the right foot, poses significant risks and challenges. Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Garret Garofolo explains how danger can arise due to impaired mobility, delayed reaction times, and even possible legal implications.
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Impaired Mobility and Control
An orthopedic walking boot immobilizes and protects the foot and ankle throughout the healing process. The right foot is essential to controlling the accelerator and the brakes, and the walking boot significantly limits the ankle’s range of motion, making it challenging to perform the movements necessary for operating the vehicle’s pedals.
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A walking boot also makes it difficult to raise your foot and push it down, which is essential for driving. The boot’s bulk can make the distance to the pedals hard to judge, leading to possible misapplication.
Delayed Reaction Times
Wearing a walking boot can delay your reaction time, negatively impacting the quick reflexes and split-second decision-making required when driving. In an emergency, the driver may not be able to respond quickly enough, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Studies have shown that even a minor injury to the foot or ankle can significantly affect driving performance. The additional weight and altered range of motion from the boot can add to this, making it harder to switch between the accelerator and brakes.
Pain and Discomfort
Patients wearing orthopedic walking boots often experience pain and discomfort, especially early in the recovery process. Pain is an added distraction, taking the driver’s focus off the road. Additionally, the discomfort from prolonged sitting and awkward leg positioning can lead to muscle fatigue and cramps, further impairing driving ability.
Legal and Insurance Implications
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In some cases, driving while wearing a walking boot could even carry possible legal and insurance ramifications. Many jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding driving with medical devices that impair mobility. Additionally, your insurance companies could deny coverage if an accident occurs while wearing a walking boot, stating that the driver was not in complete control of the vehicle. The driver could also face possible legal consequences if it is determined that driving with the boot contributed to the accident.
Recommendation and Alternatives to Driving with an Orthopedic Boot
With all the dangers discussed, our specialists recommend that patients wearing an orthopedic walking boot, especially on the right foot, refrain from driving until they have healed. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the duration of any driving restrictions they suggest, and always follow their recommendation.
Below are a few alternative transportation options you can use during your recovery:
- Public transportation like a bus or train
- Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft
- Phone a friend, family member, or even a coworker
At Orlin & Cohen, we have some of the nation’s most experienced foot and ankle subspecialists. Our team uses advanced techniques to help relieve your pain and guide you through every step of the healing process. Orlin & Cohen’s network of offices is open seven days a week, and immediate appointments are available. Contact us today.
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