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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

A hypothetical? As far as not being able to drive and don't now, and if you are with someone who does, what if they are in place where you

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Englewood, CO

Are with that person and they are in place where they have no phone service and say a remote area and is barely any traffic in that area and only on occasion, I mean rarely, and the person you are with is having a life threatening emergency and experience, I'm wondering I know that I gave up my license to the state at my ssdi case but if this was to happen I think that I would get behind the wheel of that vehicle and try to save that person's life, considering the situation I have put here in… read more

October 5
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a thoughtful hypothetical about whether someone who gave up their license for medical reasons would drive to save a life... Read more

Members responded to a thoughtful hypothetical about whether someone who gave up their license for medical reasons would drive to save a life in a remote emergency, and the answer was a near-unanimous yes. Several members shared their own stories of losing licenses due to seizures or other conditions, while still expressing that saving a life would always take priority over legal consequences. A recurring theme was that doing the right thing in a true emergency matters most, with one member noting the fine would likely be dismissed given the circumstances.

MyEpilepsyTeam

What a deeply human and compassionate hypothetical to think through. The instinct to help someone you care about in a life-or-death situation says a lot about your character.

That said, it's worth thinking through the full picture honestly, because the risks cut both ways:

- A seizure behind the wheel — even a brief one — Show Full Answer

What a deeply human and compassionate hypothetical to think through. The instinct to help someone you care about in a life-or-death situation says a lot about your character.

That said, it's worth thinking through the full picture honestly, because the risks cut both ways:

- A seizure behind the wheel — even a brief one — could cause an accident that harms or kills both of you
- Remote roads can have unexpected hazards, other vehicles, or pedestrians
- Arriving safely isn't guaranteed, which could mean help never comes at all

Some alternatives worth thinking about for remote travel situations:

- A satellite communicator (like a Garmin inReach) works without cell service and can call for emergency help
- Knowing basic first aid could stabilize someone while waiting for help
- Flagging down a passing vehicle, even rare traffic, might be safer than driving

The heart behind what's being described here is genuinely admirable. But planning ahead with tools like a satellite device could mean never having to face that impossible choice in the first place.

Ultimately, only the person in that moment can weigh those risks — and no one could fault someone for acting out of love.

October 5
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

In a heartbeat!💜

October 7
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

This be William .. I take driver training with Jen in school .. I do good enough to pass all the tests .. as I be having nocturnal seizures and rarely have one in day .. still I not be allowed to get my license although Jen get hers .. even so I know how to drive .. I am amputee missing entire left leg .. and with automatic shift I be needing only one foot to work gas pedal and brake which I be having .. I live with my wife and one of our 3 sons .. Joe .. he drive us because Jen become legally blind with inherited retinal issue .. God forbid .. if anything happen to Joe whilst driving, I would not hesitate to take over and drive to ER or attract a police officer if I could via 911 whilst on our way .. I be doing same for anyone who be driving us and become incapacitated .. a life be precious .. I would do my best getting help for them .. and if they be not breathing or heart stop .. Jen be using CPR as she be certified .. whilst I be getting us there ., hugs and prayers from William and Jen 💜💙🕊

October 6
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

That's a no-brainer. Which is of greater importance, a person's life or me getting in trouble with the law or other while trying to save that life? My answer would be to save the life.

October 6
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member Its such a annoying situation really. Its really one of those things where your stuck between saving some ones life but when you do, you face getting in trouble for doing it. Happens quite a lot unfortunately.

October 7

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