Palmen Kia of Kenosha

There are few things that can feel as inconvenient as a broken foot or injured ankle.  Not only does it usually mean paying medical bills, but it can really make it tough to get to work and run errands. Driving is something we take for granted when our bodies are in great shape, but is it safe and legal to operate a vehicle when you’ve got a foot in a cast? Read here to find out more.  

Is It Safe to Operate a Vehicle With a Foot Cast?

Of course it’s common knowledge that we are legally not able to drive when taking any sort of heavy painkillers or narcotic drugs, as our decision-making and reflexes are often impaired. However, many people are concerned with needing a “chauffeur” for the duration of their healing after a foot injury. There are some important things to consider when you’re thinking of getting behind the wheel with a cast on your foot:

• Casts often slow your ability to brake enough to make it unsafe (the reaction time being up to 25% slower in testing)
• Driving with your left foot might seem a better alternative, but can be extremely dangerous and distracting.

Despite the obvious safety hazards, there are currently no laws prohibiting driving with a cast on either of your feet. It is not encouraged by doctors, who say that you might prevent your bones from healing correctly, or even end up in an accident due to impaired reaction time. At this point in time there are no laws keeping you from getting behind the wheel with a cast on, so it’s up to you to decide!