Driving is a crucial part of our lives, and being able to hit the road is a huge source of independence for many people. But what about those who are deaf? Can they legally drive? And is it safe?
Can a Deaf Person Legally Drive?
The answer is yes! In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice states that “No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.”
Surprising to some, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes guidance on how to provide effective communication to persons with hearing disabilities, including access to services, communication tools, and even driver’s licenses.
So how exactly does a deaf person drive?
Deaf drivers are just like any other driver, except they can’t hear or rely on audio cues for navigation. So how do they do it?
Visual Cues Replace Audio Cues
Safety is always the top priority when driving, and deaf drivers have adapted by using a variety of visual cues to replace audio ones. For example:
- Deaf drivers rely on visual cues such as markings on the road, signals from emergency services, and other vehicles’ movements.
- Deaf drivers also use technology to help with the audio cues they can’t hear. Many deaf drivers have turned to visual alert systems like traffic signals, navigation lights or cues on their navigation systems.
But what if there’s an emergency?
Deaf drivers can still recognize and react to visual alert systems like sirens, which do not require audio cues. In fact, many deaf individuals are highly visually aware due to their inability to hear, so they can actually be more aware of their surroundings while driving.
What are the Legal Requirements for Deaf Drivers?
In order to get a driver’s license, a deaf person must pass the same tests that any other driver must pass, including vision and written tests. There is no moment during the driver’s license application process where a person’s deafness should come into play. State laws vary, but some states may require additional testing for those who are deaf, such as a road test in which an interpreter is used.
It’s important to remember that deaf drivers must obey the same traffic laws as any other driver on the road.
What about Auto Insurance?
Deaf drivers are legally required to have the same forms of auto insurance as any other driver, including liability and property damage coverage.
The Benefits of Deaf Drivers on the Road
In reality, deaf drivers can contribute to safer roadways. They often are cautious because they can’t rely on audio cues, so they’re typically very aware of their surroundings, and this can translate into safer driving behaviors.
In fact, many studies suggest that deaf people are less likely to be involved in road accidents than hearing people. A large reason for this is that deaf individuals have learned to rely mostly on visual cues while driving, and there is less room for distraction while on the road.
But what do the statistics say?
| Deaf Drivers | Hearing Drivers | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Accidents | 66% | 34% |
| Fatal Accidents | 47% | 53% |
| Number of Accidents Involving Alcohol | 5% | 40% |
It’s important to note that while deaf drivers may have a lower rate of accidents, they are still held to the same driving standards, and they are still legally responsible for any accidents they may cause while on the road.
Deaf Drivers and Autonomous Vehicles – What About the Future?
The rise of autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, could be a game-changer for deaf drivers.
With autonomous vehicles, there is no auditory component to driving, and deaf drivers would be the first to be on a level playing field when it comes to driving.
Self-driving cars also have the potential to make the roadways safer for everyone, and deaf drivers would be no exception.
Conclusion
People who are deaf are just as capable of driving as anyone else. They have adapted to using visual cues to replace audio cues, and they have a unique set of skills and behaviors that can make the roads safer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deaf Drivers
- Q: What are the legal requirements for deaf drivers?
- A: Deaf drivers must pass the same driver’s license tests as any other driver, including vision and written tests. Some states may require additional tests, such as a road test in which an interpreter is used.
- Q: Are deaf drivers legally required to have auto insurance?
- A: Deaf drivers are required to have the same forms of insurance as anyone else on the road, including liability and property damage coverage.
- Q: Can a deaf person drive at night?
- A: Yes! A deaf driver may drive at any time of day or night. They rely on visual cues instead of auditory cues to navigate the road.
- Q: Do deaf drivers cause more accidents than hearing drivers?
- A: No. Studies have shown that deaf people are actually less likely to be involved in road accidents than their hearing counterparts. Some believe this is because they have adapted to relying mainly on visual cues while driving.
- Q: How will autonomous vehicles affect deaf drivers?
- A: Autonomous vehicles have the potential to level the playing field for deaf drivers since there is no auditory component to driving a self-driving car.
References:
U.S. Department of Justice. (2010). Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulation 28 CFR Part 36: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2010). Deaf and Hard of Hearing Drivers.
US Access Board. (2008). ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).
Autonomous Vehicle Technology. (2019). Autonomous Cars Offer New Opportunities for Deaf, Hard of Hearing Drivers.