On Being Ill And Not Being Able To Drive

I was recently rushed to hospital for some completely unexpected, rather frightening abdominal surgery.  I thought it was going to be for something fairly routine – a hernia – but it turned out to be more complex.  In fact, I’m still suffering the complications in the form of a couple of infections.  Not very pleasant at all.

The reason I’m posting though is to highlight what I’ve missed and what I’m missing.  Firstly, there was the VXR Racing Driver of the Year 2008 competition.  I’d made it through to the semis and through no fault of my own I’m now out.  In fact, that brings me cleanly on to what I’m missing.  There’s a chance that I might not be able to drive for six weeks!

The prospect of this lack of time behind the wheel has really made me think.  It has made me think just how much we take for granted both in the car and outside (I’m not even really allowed outside at the moment) and even how much pleasure you can get simply by slipping behind the wheel for a journey – whether you’re tearing around the track or on a leisurely jaunt.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if driving is just something you do, just try to change your outlook once in a while.  Appreciate the fact that you can do what you can; after all, as I may have said before, driving is a privilege, not a right.  It’s something we all have a moan about, yet it is also something that, for those of us who can drive, would never give up.

So, whether you’re in a Porsche 911 GT2 or a Hillman Imp, go out on the road today as a celebration.  Think about all those who can’t experience the pleasures of driving.  Most of all, enjoy it because you can.  We, as a nation, pay enough to do it after all!

With regard to the blog, I’m hoping to get back to more regular posts probably in maybe a few days time and to get my fix I’m enjoying the usual fare of the Belgian F1, various motorsport events on Eurosport and of course reading a few car mags.  Given where the seatbelt rests, I think it’s the one time in my life where I’m actually reticent to get in a car.

N.B. As a disclaimer, if you have ever had surgery and are thinking about getting behind the wheel before your convalescence time is up, I wouldn’t do so.  There’s a strong possibility that if your insurer finds out they a) won’t insure you again and b) won’t insure you in the case of an accident.  Just something to bear in mind…