Getting Around

The laws of each state are slightly different, but the fact is, if you are still actively having seizures, you cannot drive. In some states, you must go a full year seizure-free before you can drive. In other states, you can drive again three months after your last seizure or your seizures can still be occurring as long as they only happen in your sleep – sleeping while driving brings its own issues!

What happens if you drive anyway?

If you drive without a license, or if you drive with a suspended license, the penalties can be severe. You could end up in jail for up to a year or have to pay a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Even worse, you could have a seizure while driving and accidentally hurt or kill yourself or someone else. If you drive even though you’re still having seizures, you can be convicted of manslaughter and end up in prison.

Find out the rules for your state.

Other transportation options

The nice thing about increasing gas prices is that many more people are beginning to take public transportation. Although not being able to drive can still be a pain, between high gas prices and global warming, you’re likely to find many more people waiting for the bus than just a few years ago.

Buses (local, regional and national)

Whether you’re just beginning to take the bus in your hometown or you’re looking for an easy way to get around your college town, virtually every city has a public transportation system, although some are better than others.

To learn about bus routes and tickets, you should contact your local town hall or Chamber of Commerce. Either office should be able to direct you to the name, phone number or website of the local transportation authority. Your university should also have information about local bus lines on its website, under the “Visit us” tab.

If you’re looking to go a bit farther, you’ll probably want to try for the local Greyhound or Peter Pan bus office. Visit their websites to learn more about routes and rates.

Things to keep in mind

Long-distance buses usually offer on-board bathrooms, but there’s no food for sale. You’ll want to pack snacks for any ride of more than a few hours or pack money in case the bus stops for a rest break.

Trains (local subways and Amtrak)

Taking the train can mean different things depending on where you are. Many cities in the US have some type of subway or elevated train option for people to use while they’re in the city. All of these systems have different names and they can take a while to get used to.

Once you’re outside of the cities, many suburban areas have commuter or light-rail systems. These are the trains that workers use to get into the city each morning and to leave each evening. These trains are a bit more expensive, but they go further and they’re more likely to have cushioned seats than hard plastic benches. You’re more likely to find commuter rail systems on the East Coast around New York, Boston and Washington, DC, but other communities on the West Coast are beginning to use traians too. You can learn more about these trains by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, there are the long-distance passenger trains. These trains can cover anything from Boston to New York, to the entire Eastern seaboard and even cross the US. (If you’re going that far, flying is probably a better idea – the “quick” route from New York to San Francisco takes three days and goes through Chicago!) These trains are part of Amtrak, a government-owned corporation. To learn more about routes and rates, visit www.amtrak.com.

You may also want to ask about discounts for students or people with epilepsy. For instance, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for students with Student Advantage cards.

Things to keep in mind

If you take a train, you’ll want to keep an eye out for your stop. Don’t be afraid to ask the conductor if you think you’ve missed your stop – they can reassure you or help you get a free transfer in the right direction. If you’re having seizures regularly, you might want to travel with a friend or let the conductor know that you carry first aid information in your pocket.

Depending on the length of your train ride, you might want to carry a snack. Although Amtrak usually provides access to a snack car, it usually has limited hours.

Biking

Bike riding can be a great way to get around – it’s good exercise and it’s good for the environment! It’s always a good idea to bike with someone else, even if you don’t have epilepsy. If you have to bike alone, carry a cell phone and let people know where you’ll be and when you expect to return.

Always wear a helmet when you ride a bike, even if you aren’t having seizures regularly. If you feel a seizure coming on, get off your bike and sit down in a safe place. Call a friend or someone in the area to let them know where you are.

If you ride your bike a lot, you’ll need to know a few basics about bike maintenance. Check out these videos on how to change a flat tire: here and here.

You may also find it helpful to print out the directions here in case you have to change a flat on the go.