HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Driving with an injury
Te taraiwa me tētahi wharanga
An injury such as a sprained ankle, a broken bone or another injury that means you have to wear a plaster cast, may affect your ability to drive safely.
A plaster cast can be uncomfortable and make it hard to control a vehicle.
You'll probably be advised to stop driving until your injury has healed. An orthopaedic doctor or your GP can tell you if you're safe to drive and control a vehicle at all times.
If your doctor thinks your driving is impaired but you continue to drive, the Land Transport Act says your doctor has to tell the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Talk to your insurance company before you start driving again as it might not cover you while you're wearing a cast or splint.
After a head injury
A head injury can affect a person's ability to drive in several ways. It can change their vision, their physical abilities and reactions, and more. The New Zealand Transport Agency has a web page that explains more about how a head injury may affect your ability to drive. It includes steps to take to find out if you can drive again.
Getting around
It's best to use an alternative form of transport, such as public transport, a taxi or help from friends and family.
ACC may be able to help with some transport costs while you or a dependent child are recovering from an injury. These include:
- getting to work
- getting to school or an early childhood centre
- essential trips such as going to the supermarket.
Contact your ACC case manager to find out what you're entitled to. Phone the ACC Helpline on 0800‑101‑996 or see the information on ACC's website.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2022.
SourcesImage courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Review key: HILWI-174362
