The Road to Freedom: Driving Journey as a RBKA

Driving has been my passion for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of being behind the wheel, feeling the freedom of the open road. However, my story took an unexpected turn at the age of 8 when I became a right below-knee amputee. In the country where I grew up, the idea of driving in such a condition seemed almost impossible. Yet, I never allowed myself to be defined by limitations.

My journey on wheels began shortly after my amputation when I was just 9 years old, starting with a cycle. I gradually transitioned to roller skating and later to inline skating. Each small victory fueled my determination to go further. At the age of 19, after years of practice and persistence, I officially learned to ride a motorbike. This was no easy feat, as I had to push the rear brake with my prosthetic leg, requiring me to bend and lift my thigh—a challenging and unconventional technique. At the time, scooters with hand controls were rare, adding to the complexity of the task.

Despite the difficulties, my passion for driving kept me going. I even tried driving a car with my prosthetic leg, pushing the accelerator using the pressure from my thigh. While it worked, it wasn’t practical for long drives. I refused to give up, continuing to explore alternative solutions.

Everything changed when I moved to England. One day, a woman picked me up for a meeting, and I noticed her driving a car using a hand control similar to a joystick. Intrigued, I asked her how she managed it. She explained the concept of adaptive driving solutions, particularly a twin-flip accelerator that could be switched to either side to suit individual needs. That conversation was a turning point in my life. I immediately booked lessons with a driving instructor, and after just two attempts, I passed my driving test.

The day my first car was fitted with the twin-flip accelerator is etched in my memory. I vividly recall the excitement of waiting for the mechanic to finish, eager to confidently take my car on the road. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

For over three decades, being a limb amputee may have shaped some of my experiences, but it has never defined my spirit. Driving a car with adaptive controls not only gave me a profound sense of freedom but also reignited my zest for life. Each time I sit behind the wheel, I feel empowered, as though I’m embracing life’s possibilities with open arms.

Of course, the road to liberation wasn’t without its challenges. Traveling abroad often presented unforeseen obstacles. Adaptive vehicles weren’t always readily available, and renting a car that matched my needs required extensive planning. I remember a trip to South America where I was eager to drive and explore the beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an adaptive car, so my wife had to drive throughout the entire trip. While I enjoyed the adventure and cherished the time with my family, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of frustration at being unable to share the driving experience.

Shortly after returning to England, I saw an Instagram post from a fellow right below-knee amputee in the United States. She demonstrated how she drove without any adaptive equipment, using her left foot for the accelerator. Inspired, I decided to try it myself. To my surprise, it was easier than I expected! That moment made me smile as I realized I could have driven in South America after all. Now, I feel confident that I can rent and drive standard cars when traveling abroad, even without adaptive controls.

Still, my experience underscores the importance of global accessibility. Many rental companies lack adaptive options, making it essential to plan meticulously. These challenges have taught me patience and resilience, but they’ve also highlighted the need for greater awareness and advocacy.

Today, I am passionate about promoting adaptive driving solutions worldwide, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America. By raising awareness and pushing for accessible options, I hope to empower others facing similar challenges to reclaim their independence and pursue their dreams of driving.

My journey serves as a testament to resilience and determination. It shows that with the right support and resources, no challenge is insurmountable. To anyone navigating their own road of obstacles, I say this: keep driving forward—both literally and figuratively. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible future on the roads.

*This article aims to inspire and empower individuals with limb loss, showcasing the possibilities of adaptive driving solutions to promote independence and confidence behind the wheel.