The hand that grips an adaptive knob on the steering wheel belongs to 71-year-old Siskin Hospital patient, Patrick Frazier. The excitement, privilege and sense of freedom rivals that of any teenage driver hitting the road for the first time.

After a stroke more than a year ago affected Frazier’s speech, mobility and independence, the long hours spent on the road of recovery and relearning did little to answer the question of whether or not he was safe on the road of asphalt and tires, surging engines and distracted drivers.

So Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist Jan Crye put him to the test. Frazier passed his driving test with flying colors.

“Going through our Driving Evaluation and Training Program is important for anyone who has had a stroke or brain injury or those who feel that their reaction and coordination may have slipped over time due to age, illness or vision difficulties,” says Crye. “Not only can we test those things, but we can give patients and their families answers about safety and limitations behind the wheel.”

Using special machines, like a simulated car cabin complete with a steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, Crye first evaluates the patient's vision, reaction time, physical abilities and judgment. This determines what adaptive equipment they may need in order to drive and whether or not they are ready to be tested on the road.

After evaluating more than 7,000 people in her 13 years at Siskin Hospital, Crye has had her fair share of hair-raising on-the-road experiences.

“During the road test I have the confidence of dual brakes should we have an emergency, but I do my best to distract the drivers any way I can. I talk, wave my hands, point and gesture; all the things that another passenger might do.”

For Frazier, the hour-long evaluation and two and a half hour road test could not have ended more perfectly. He and Crye made a stop at the restaurant he and his son Mickey own and operate.