Tourette's and the Open Road: A Heated Safety Debate Ignited
A fundamental rule of driving is to keep your eyes on the road at all times. This principle is now at the centre of a fierce online debate after an American influencer with Tourette's Syndrome demonstrated how some of her involuntary tics prevent her from watching where she is going while behind the wheel.
Olivia Woodrich, a 26-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was diagnosed with the neurological condition at seven years old. Her tics include a stutter, neck stretching, and facial grimaces. She uses her platform, including an appearance on the US reality show 'Baylen Out Loud', to educate the public about Tourette's.
What Happens When a Tic Strikes at the Wheel?
In a 25-second video that has since gone viral, Olivia is seen driving her white Nissan Kicks. The clip shows her experiencing various tics, but the most alarming for viewers was a neck-stretching tic that caused her to throw her head back, closing her eyes and looking away from the road for several seconds.
Olivia explained her motivation for posting, stating, 'I've learnt how to safely drive with my tics. I think a lot of people don't realise that you can drive with TS.' She was quick to add that she strategically manages this particular tic, saying, 'I try not to let my neck stretch tic out when I'm not at a stoplight... When I feel this tic coming on, I either pull over or wait until I'm at a stoplight.' As a further precaution, she avoids driving on highways where pulling over is difficult.
She also highlighted techniques that help her focus, such as playing music that isn't too loud, and emphasised that she listens to her body. 'If I feel like I can't safely get to my destination, I won't drive that day,' she affirmed.
Public Reaction and the UK's Legal Stance
The video received a flood of comments, with many finding it inspiring. One user wrote, 'My daughter has her learners permit and is scared to drive because of her tics. This is encouraging.' However, others questioned the safety, with one asking, 'Is it not dangerous when your head and eyes turn up and away from the road?'
This incident brings the UK's regulations into sharp focus. According to the UK Government, you must tell the DVLA if your Tourette's Syndrome affects your ability to drive safely. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. However, if a medical professional confirms your driving is unaffected, you are not obligated to report it.
Olivia, who waited until she was 19 to get her licence, ensured her driving instructors were aware of her condition. She passed her test without issue, confirming that her Tourette's was not deemed a safety hazard by the examiners.
Defending her driving, Olivia drew comparisons to other common distractions on the road. 'It's no different to someone driving looking over at a passenger or sneezing,' she argued. 'There are a lot of people more dangerous than me on the road such as people that look away from the road to text and drive.'
It is estimated that around 300,000 adults and children in the UK live with Tourette's Syndrome, a condition characterised by involuntary noises and movements that typically begins in childhood.
