Helping Me Drive More Safely with Advanced Driver Assistance

This is a little uncomfortable to write, but here goes.

Two and a half years ago, at age 42, I decided to face a lifelong fear and pursue driving using a medical device called a bioptic lens. With the help of many of you through a previous GoFundMe, I was able to afford the lenses and training—and in February 2024, I earned my driver’s license.

Learning to drive has been life-changing.

Not long after that journey began, I went through a very painful divorce. Now I am the sole driver for myself and often for my kids who still live at home. Driving isn’t optional anymore—it’s a daily necessity.

I truly love the independence driving gives me. But the reality is that driving is still very stressful for me. Conditions that challenge most drivers—sunrise and sunset glare, headlights at night, rain, fog, and low visibility—are significantly more difficult as a bioptic driver. I am extremely cautious and careful, but my reaction and response time can be slower, and the margin for error feels much smaller.

Over the past two years I’ve had a few incidents. Some of that comes with being a newer driver, and some comes with the additional challenges of driving with low vision. Right now I drive a 2017 Toyota RAV4 and I truly love it—but I’ve realized that upgrading to newer safety technology is no longer a luxury for me. It’s an investment in safety.

After a lot of research and test driving, I believe the advanced driver-assistance and safety features in a Tesla with Full Self-Driving capability could make a meaningful difference in reducing risk and stress in my daily driving. I’m specifically looking at a 2024 Model Y with the latest safety hardware.

I’m doing everything I can on my end:

• Trading in my current car

• Withdrawing $10,000 from my IRA

• Financing the majority of the purchase

To keep the monthly payment manageable for my budget, I still need to raise $10,000.

Asking for help again is hard, especially knowing many of you supported me before. If you gave in the past, please know how deeply grateful I remain. Your help truly changed my life by making driving possible.

I’ve never been a “new car” person, and I wouldn’t be asking if this didn’t feel truly important for my safety and my ability to care for my family. My goal is simple: to be the safest driver I can be—for myself, my kids, and everyone else on the road.

Thank you for your love, encouragement, and any support you feel led to give.

Josh