Possible Blackout Whilst Driving

[RATTER15]

Last night whilst at work around 8.45 I was driving with a colleague in the car, fortunately on a quiet country road, I suddenly hit a kerb quite hard, it frightened me and my colleague.
I wasn't tired or sleepy and was wide awake no alcohol at all.
I have the feeling that I may have blacked out but not sure, I remember nothing of seeing the kerb or drifting towards it. my only memory of it was a bang and swerving across the road as I bounced off of it.
It could have been just a lack of concentration but I really don't think so. I have done such a thing whilst not concentrating, this was different. I had no idea what had happened until my colleague told me what I hit and said, "didn't you see that!"
I must say I am a little worried?

[emmie]

i would be too, hope you are ok.

[Eleena]

Just had visibility weather wise ratter? When's the last time you had an eye check?

[Eleena]

*bad* visibility.

[EDDIE51]

You need to see your GP and mention this and get checked over.

[Sqad]

Not enough information.
Are you on any medication..e.g BP tablets?
Did you feel it coming on e.g sweating?
Have you had an "attack" before?
It would have been interesting to know the account given by the passenger.

I must say that it does sound like a lack of concentration and "no big deal"...BUT..it could be a TIA of which you have some knowledge, although I favour the former.

Either "monitor the situation" OR see your GP.

[TWR]

Was it Foggy? you may have been concentrating that hard that you could not see the kerb, get your car tyre / wheel / steering checked that bang could have damaged your car's steering & knocking the tracking out, get that done ASAP.

[Tilly2]

It's not the same thing but I have noticed, for the first time this year, that night time driving has become more difficult. Somehow, it's harder to judge distances and so on. Must be to do with the eyesight, in my case.

[RATTER15]

I am on BP tablets "Ramipril" but in all honesty im not great at taking them and haven't taken them for a couple of days.
Im fairly sure it wasnt lack of concentration, I had not long pulled out of a junction and was still going up through my gears, so still had my mind on the driving. Not sweating and never had this before, didnt feel any different before or after apart from shock and a little worried about what had just happened.
Visibility was not a problem at all, eyesight not the best but still not an issue as far as driving is concerned.

[Sqad]

Thanks for the added information, which strengthens my initial reply and advice.

[EDDIE51]

I was going to mention the possibility of a TIA , as sqad as already said. Definitely a check up by your GP recommended.

[EDDIE51]

As a side issue , I have suspected for a while that my night /low light vision is not as good as it could be. Is there a way to get it checked?
For example I have never found it necessary to wear sun glasses even when I lived in central Africa and the Middle East. That makes me think my sensitivity to light is lower than normal.

[RATTER15]

I'm now Sat in GP surgery waiting to be seen :-(

[hc4361]

Hope all is well Ratter and I'm very glad you are getting checked out.
Too many drivers ignore health and sight problems and carry on driving regardless.
Hopefully you'll be deemed fit to drive

[RATTER15]

Just back from GP with a clean bill of health, ECG, bloods etc all done just need to wait on blood results but all looking good so far.

I think I will put it down to "just one of those things" unless of course it happens again.

Still a bit concerned to be honest!

[Mamyalynne]

Glad you've got a good report so far Ratter, now get in a regular routine with your Ramipril.

Keep well.

[anneasquith]

Try not to worry, gp seems happy with your health.:-)

[hellywelly4]

Eddie - go to an optician! I felt the same and was diagnosed with a cataract and told not to drive at night until it's sorted.

[Jahulaye]

“I think I will put it down to "just one of those things" unless of course it happens again.“

I would seriously put off driving and not be so blasé about it as the kerb could have been a wall or a group of people.