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Has anyone got one, had one etc?
I’ve asked three times at my surgery and each time it’s basically no with no real reason. Last time GP said oh just explain to police if you get pulled over why you’re holding the belt off your shoulder. We all know what would happen in that scenario.
Basically I had a “stroke” but not a stroke in Nov 25 left me with some weakness down the right side but mostly it’s weird nerve pain, even wearing a t-shirt is uncomfortable. A&E confirmed not stroke or Tia after 12 hours.
I’ve tried adjusting the seat, steering wheel and belt height but by the time the seat is that far back or reclined to make a difference the driving position is not safe.
GP hasn’t physically examined me just had a chat and first time just said no over the phone
I don’t want to completely skip the belt I just want protection from prosecution if I move it for a rest if you know what I mean.
I’ve looked at aids and adjustments but they all seem related to other things there’s nothing I’ve seen that tackles the right shoulder.
I’ve thought about padding but it’s not the belt itself it’s just it touching me there.
Wife and son don’t drive and son is 18 so MB would say no anyway.
I’ll talk MB when I can but this just seems so ridiculously hard and there’s no formal complaint or appeal when a GP says no.
Anyone been thru this or got advice (other than immigrate to LHD country lol. Stupid jokes aside if I quit MB I might look for left hand drive car)
I dunno everything just seems so against me at the moment, everywhere I go I seem to get the door slammed in my face.
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Has anyone got one, had one etc? I’ve asked three times at my surgery and each time it’s basically no with no real reason. Last time GP said oh just explain to police if you get pulled over why you’re holding the belt off your shoulder. We all know what would happen in that scenario. Basically I had a “stroke” but not a stroke in Nov 25 left me with some weakness down the right side but mostly it’s weird nerve pain, even wearing a t-shirt is uncomfortable. A&E confirmed not stroke or Tia after 12 hours. I’ve tried adjusting the seat, steering wheel and belt height but by the time the seat is that far back or reclined to make a difference the driving position is not safe. GP hasn’t physically examined me just had a chat and first time just said no over the phone I don’t want to completely skip the belt I just want protection from prosecution if I move it for a rest if you know what I mean. I’ve looked at aids and adjustments but they all seem related to other things there’s nothing I’ve seen that tackles the right shoulder. I’ve thought about padding but it’s not the belt itself it’s just it touching me there. Wife and son don’t drive and son is 18 so MB would say no anyway. I’ll talk MB when I can but this just seems so ridiculously hard and there’s no formal complaint or appeal when a GP says no. Anyone been thru this or got advice (other than immigrate to LHD country lol. Stupid jokes aside if I quit MB I might look for left hand drive car) I dunno everything just seems so against me at the moment, everywhere I go I seem to get the door slammed in my face.
The Gov UK website on the subject of seatbelt exemptions advises to contact RADAR (now Disability Rights UK) for advice on the subject:
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/contact-us
However note that the certificate can be issued by a (i.e. any) medical practitioner, not only your GP. When I was employed by the Ministry of Agriculture/DEFRA at their lab, their Occupational Health Doctor offered to issue me a certificate if I wanted one (I didn’t though) as I was having a bit of difficulty twisting to reach and pull across the buckle as well as comfort issues wearing it. I don’t know if this sort of avenue maybe open to you?
As you are not restricted to just your GP a bit of ‘Doctor shopping’ might be necessary – even if going to a private medical practitioner for a certificate. Most private doctors will do anything for a price!
As @Kezo says, consider a seatbelt pad, we have one on our car, it’s a bit annoying tbf, but it does work. I have a medical condition that would automatically qualify me for exemption but I prefer the safety of the seatbelt rather than a bit of discomfort from my condition.
As @Kezo says, consider a seatbelt pad, we have one on our car, it’s a bit annoying tbf, but it does work. I have a medical condition that would automatically qualify me for exemption but I prefer the safety of the seatbelt rather than a bit of discomfort from my condition.
I admit to having zero knowledge about conditions where the wearing of a seatbelt can be exempted but, like you, I wouldn’t dream of being in a car without wearing one. The discomfort would be nothing compared to the pain, life changing injuries or death should you be involved in a serious accident, and with the absolutely appalling standards of driving that you see on U.K. roads these days the chances of that happening are sadly increasing.
Thanks all. I thought I’d explained but maybe I didn’t. I don’t want to not wear the belt I want the exemption so if I get pulled for moving the belt off my shoulder for a time and typically that’d be when you’d see a copper lol.
My GP just said oh just explain it if you get pulled over which we all know would result in a £100 and 3 points.
Unfortunately a foam pad would still be touching that area, even wearing a t-shirt bothers me let alone anything else.
Same with wearing a hat, back of my head on right side (so no headrest either)
If you draw a line down the middle of my head the entire right side is affected then following my collar bone then down my right arm and hand.
Looked at gov website and it says you should be physically examined – nope and possibly be examined in the car – nope
Just SMS messages saying no from the same drs that refused me a referral to neurology in Nov after A&E told me to get one.
Maybe I’ll ask if I ever see Neurology again.
Annoyingly there’s no process involved if they say no you’re stuffed.
I’ve a good mind to say to them ok then I will give up driving that means we’ll need 3 people’s meds delivered Inc my scheduled meds. Seeing as the surgery is 6 miles and two buses and a long walk…
Why does everything have to be so hard. Dr didn’t like it when I said having fibromyalgia on my file is as bad as a DNR but I’m done playing nice with them now.
Good idea private GP I’ll have to see what’s involved and cost not to mention travel possibly
@Rich44 Thanks for explaining. I’m relieved to hear that you have some protection!
It’s a difficult one. The added issue that you’ve got is that there are new cameras being rolled out that can spot people not wearing seatbelts and using phones whilst driving. These will issue automatic fines and points. Having the seatbelt off your shoulder would most likely trigger them. You could plead not guilty and appeal at a Magistrates court, but that’s a different level of hassle to just showing a letter of exemption to a Police office at the roadside!
Hello Rich
It could be worth asking your GP manager if they have a supply of the official seatbelt medical exemption certificates?
If yes, ask which GP uses them the most and request an appointment with that GP.
If no, that could be the problem. The GP manager can order certificates in books of five.
Your son could drive a mobility car on passing his driving test. But under 25s are limited to less powerful cars.
Classic cars pre 1964 without fitted seatbelts are exempt, Also some quadricycles, ride on lawn mowers and older tractors without a cab are exempt.
It is a shame that Motability do not provide LHD cars. It would be a big help with my wife’s medical conditions too.
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