Driving With POTS

Driving with POTS can be challenging, and there are many living with POTS who struggle to drive or are no longer to drive safely. This content is designed to offer potential options for those who have been told they can still safely drive by their medical teams, but are looking for tips that could make it easier for them. This content is no way suggests that you are safe to drive, and that must be determined by your medical team. We understand the heavy grief that can be challenging to hold if you are no longer able to drive, and want to acknowledge how painful this can be, with many on our team familiar with this loss. If you are looking for more grief support from our website, consider visiting our Grief and Grieving website section.

Below you will find tips and tricks that have helped some on our team living with POTS drive safely when cleared by their medical teams:

1.) Wearing recommended compression garments, like compression stocks or stockings, to reduce blood pooling.

2.) Hydrating before driving and having many hydration tool options packed that we can use during driving breaks.

3.) Choosing to not drive on highways if they make symptoms more severe, and sticking to back roads where pulling over for breaks may be easier and safer.

4.) Choosing to avoid eating large meals prior to driving if this exacerbates symptoms, and sticking to smaller meals and snacks, including having snacks packed for driving breaks.

5.) Choosing to not drive if symptoms are too severe, and instead asking a family member, friend, or neighbor. You can also consider using options like Lyft, Uber, or forms of public transportation.

6.) Using counter-pressure maneuvers if recommended by your medical team, like squeezing calves when safely able to do so.

7.) Practicing shorter distances with someone else in the car to assess your level of comfort before driving on your own.

8.) Having your POTS to-go bag with you and packed, including any other emergency essentials you feel you could need.

9.) Having a POTS car pack with you, packed with other essentials you feel you could need.

10.) Having multiple pairs of sunglasses available in the event one gets lost, helping with potential light sensitivity.

11.) Looking at your route ahead of time so you can plan ahead for stops, allowing for more frequent breaks and opportunities to safely recharge.

12.) Applying for a disability parking tag and making sure you have this with you, reducing how far you need to go once parked.

13.) Practicing supportive and comforting breathing strategies, like box breathing, if you get nervous when driving and these strategies are recommended by your medical team.

14.) Ensuring you take multiple breaks and give yourself more time to get to certain destinations. Pacing yourself when driving can be helpful and an important way to prioritize your safety.

15.) Driving with the air conditioning on if you find that the cool air helps, and considering cars that have cooling seat options if you’ve noticed this makes a difference for you.

16.) Starting exposure therapy with a cognitive behavioral therapy specialist, if you are now able to drive but struggle with fear related to past driving experiences.

17.) Working through grief related to driving changes with a licensed mental health professional who is understanding.

18.) Offering yourself patience and compassion while prioritizing your safety. Some of us have needed to limit how far we drive or how we drive, and there is no shame in this. We admire the courage it takes to set safe limits and driving boundaries, even if they aren’t widely understood by those around us.