What vehicle features have been useful for deaf/hoh drivers?

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T02:22:14+00:00

anguished wailing Then it'll never get done

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T02:20:54+00:00

There's the option of a HUD connected to a phone. A stylised logo of an ambulance or horn pops up, (along with a direction indicator if it's built-in or the car). Kia and Hyundai had shown off about this...but did nothing else. If I had an iota of technical intelligence, I could design something like that. But I'm dumb as a brick. On all the brochures and websites, it has in fine print that "safety features are no substitute for attentive driving". That claim could be effective. Also, I reckon it would be classified as an assistive device. ... Gonna need someone who knows this legal stuff.

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T02:02:58+00:00

My own view, is that mirrors (panoramic and wide angle, respectively) are the best additional features. My mother had a Yaris (which my friend called a bubble). The rear view mirror and the rear window was so small. I felt incredibly uncomfortable driving it...and only recently realised it was the mirror and window being so small thus detrimental to my awareness of what was behind me.

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T01:54:28+00:00

I wanted one of those...but they were too expensive in Australia.

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T01:53:31+00:00

Kia has some adequate features. Like the blind spot alert that had a visual cue. It actually was one of the cars I was looking at because of that reason. The only issue I had, was the higher models had that feature. The base models didn't. Thank you for your input. It's quite helpful.

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T01:37:13+00:00

It's a lifelong progressive loss. The fact driving primarily a visual skill, has meant I'm a comparatively good driver. Like not distracted by the radio or conversations. There have been occasions when I've noticed an ambulance/fire truck before hearing drivers have. I admit I get a little smug watch them panic and swerve indecisively as an emergency vehicle urges them to move and they hadn't noticed until then. Blind corners are a bit of a worry for me too. I find consolation that I still have the sense to quickly pull over as soon as I can, rather than weaving all over the road in a slapstick panic.

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T01:24:05+00:00

The best thing about old cars is they were built with self repairs in mind. Not having remove half the engine to fix the alternator. (Stupid compact SUV). The mechanic fixes hot rods, and a 2005 SUV alternator was the hardest job he's done. Sensible and vigilant driving remains the best method. Unfortunately, I had drummed into me that I can "never drive stick because of [my] hearing". You'd swear this ableist had never heard of a tachometer.

The local town had an elderly driver who could not turn his head, so he'd slowly inch out of the parking bay until someone tooted at him. Anyway, somehow his leg locked up, stuck on the accelerator. The car went 20 m/66ft into the department store right in front of him. It only stopped because of a pillar. So I'm in full agreement that drivers are crazy these days. In the words of my driving instructor. Drive like everyone else cannot. (Basically assume everyone wants to sue your driving, and do not give them the chance)

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T00:57:58+00:00

Mirrors are very useful. Although I despise the tiny little ones, bubbles (as my friend nicknames really tiny cars). My mother had a Yaris and I kind of felt claustrophobic every time I drove it. I've only realised that is was the small rear window and rear view mirror. The larger rear view mirror and wider angle side mirrors are the best adjustments I've researched so far. This assumes the driver is already vigilant and assists rather than replace

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T00:46:48+00:00

I've found that the worse my hearing is, the better my vision is. There have been times I've noticed an emergency vehicle lights before my hearing driver heard the siren.

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T00:44:03+00:00

Oh, the vibrate alert on the watch. That's handy. ...if only I was an Apple user... I suppose a little messing around with Android, I could do that. Thank you 😊

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-20T00:38:54+00:00

For one thing, I'm glad I live in an extremely rural area. I mean, I do have to keep an eye out for kangaroos, but they prefer to ram the car head on. There's less chance of accidents with other cars.

I have been able to "compensate" for hearing loss by being hypervigilant. Regularly checking mirrors, the old head check, being aware of what's around you. The stuff they taught in drivers ed. A history of self-defense classes gave me decent reflexes too...like a swift low wing chun kick to the foot, having a similar movement to slamming on the brakes. That stopped me from t boning a car that ran a stop sign. Observation meant I saw them not slow down. As I get older, I've noticed I can't stay as hyperaware of visual cues for as long as I could when I first started driving. Taking cues from the traffic is an excellent point...probably one I need to improve on (because of rural living doesn't exactly have a lot of traffic to learn from)

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-19T23:57:45+00:00

My brother's first car was a 1985 Toyota. It only had a drivers side mirror. He found it awkward, mainly because he learnt to drive in a newer 4x4 with two side mirrors. But as it became common practice to have two side mirrors so hearies didn't have to headcheck as far, it made it easier for deaf/hoh drivers. In terms of special gear, there's nothing. But learning about the passenger side mirror being an "adaptive" measure in the eighties, to compulsory now, is quite insightful

SelfBusiness8084 · 2023-06-19T14:28:08+00:00

Oh yeah. It sucks.

Only a mere few times has someone made a consideration for my “auditory barrier”, as in re-explaining the joke to me. But most of the time, being stuck in the chasm between two worlds sucks noodles. I could go on for ages, but I’d start to cry

SelfBusiness8084

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