Deaf People too deserve Driving License in India

Deaf People too Deserve Driving Licence in India

 

It should not be an impediment for the deaf people to enjoy the right of driving which is a civil right of free movement guaranteed by the law of the land.

 

All but 26 countries in the world have allowed people who are deaf to drive as long as they pass the test regardless of the degree of hearing loss.

 

Road accidents among the non-deaf people have been common even though they can hear and pass the test to get DL. Therefore, there is difference between them and deaf people who are still driving without any tangible report of accidents with or without DL.

 

Deaf people are capable of becoming good drivers because they drive safely. Though their sense of hearing is impaired or non-functional, yet their other senses and reactions are naturally trained to be extremely acute which is an advantage over the non-deaf drivers and, therefore, it is logical to allow them to have legalized driver’s licence.

 

Driving gives one a sense of independence, pride, self-esteem, and belongingness, and rejection thereof tantamount to violation of civil right and a case of prejudice and chauvinism of the dominant society.

 

It is not a problem for the deaf people to learn how to drive. They can learn to drive through visual instructions – hand motions, eye contact and visual aids.

 

When deaf people drive, they enjoy a basic privilege they deserve just like anyone else. It also demonstrates that deafness does not have to hinder the quality of life.

 

Public transport can benefit from having more deaf drivers on the roads. Studies conducted by different researchers (in different countries where deaf people are allowed driver’s licence) comparing deaf drivers to hearing drivers suggest that deaf drivers have fewer accidents and traffic violations than hearing people do. It is possible that deaf people drive more safely because they have better concentration. Having impaired hearing improves other senses making deaf people more sensitive to movement and visual surroundings.

 

If deaf people are allowed to drive, it could decrease prejudice by changing the public’s misconceptions about deaf drivers. In turn, decreased prejudices could help eliminate discrimination against deaf drivers in public policy.

 

The disqualification for driver’s licence does not rest with the deaf people themselves, but with the environmental and attitudinal barriers of the society and those that govern the system.  We cannot and, even it is not possible to change an inclement environment, yet we can adapt to the environment by changing our attitude. The world is replete with human, cultural and linguistic diversity and other natural inclemencies that we are not compatible with. The same holds true where the deaf people are concerned who is a part of the human diversity as a natural process and also as recognized by the UNO. Although the deaf people are disqualified for holding driver’s licence due to poor and congested Indian road conditions, yet the situation can be adjusted with special provisions through legal adaptations – MV Act, Traffic Rules, additional rear view mirrors, special signal stickers/labels, public awareness, ban on non-motorized and slow moving stray vehicles from the main and busy roads that are the distinct features created in the rest of the world facilitating an accessible environment for the deaf people to drive safely and smoothly and obtaining driver’s licence. Driving cars is not a problem for the deaf people who can drive judiciously, smoothly and safely with the brain instead of the ears.

 

Disability to hear and unsafe road conditions don’t justify disqualification from obtaining DL that contradicts justice and atrophy the concept of accessibility, empowerment and independent life. Legal adaptations and improving road conditions are the way out to enable them to qualify for retaining the civic and legal right of driving.

 

Medical experts’ advice is that those who can hear sound up to 60 decibels with the use of hearing aid can be permitted to hold a driver’s licence. This version is nothing but a myth which does not hold true with a deaf driver in action which stands as an impediment in building a deaf friendly civic and inclusive environment.

 

The “UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” states that national and state governments are obliged to consult with people with disabilities through their representative organizations when developing and implementing legislation and policies to effectuate their rights.

 

 

 

Deaf Empowerment & Advocacy Foundation - INDIA