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Reminder: Wheelchair Safety While Driving or Riding

If you use a wheelchair, you probably know how to get into and out of a car safely. You’ve seen a certified driver rehabilitation specialist and know the rules. But it doesn’t hurt to go over them periodically, and perhaps correct some bad habits we’ve fallen into – and start the New Year off right.

The following guidelines increase safety for wheelchair-seated riders and drivers.

Where to sit

• If possible, transfer into the vehicle’s seat, which is crash designed for greatest protection.
• If you can’t, it is safest to have a WCl9-compliant, transit-ready wheelchair. Non-WCl9-compliant wheelchairs are generally not strong enough to withstand the impact forces that can result in a crash.
• WC19-compliant wheelchairs are designed for use as a motor-vehicle seat and have been crash-tested. Visit this website resource for more info on WC19-compliant wheelchairs.

Seat / safety belt

• Safety belts are the law in almost every state – and that applies to wheelchair users, so position the safety shoulder and lap belt correctly.
• To prevent a wheelchair-seated driver from hitting vehicle structures (windshield, dashboard, etc.) during a crash, it is important to use a safety belt system composed of a shoulder and lap belt that fit snugly across the pelvis, chest and shoulder – not the wheelchair belt.
• Wheelchair belts have not been crash-tested and some are designed to break away from the wheelchair when in a crash. Exceptions are WC19-compliant wheelchairs that come with crash-tested safety belts.

Feeling tied down is a good thing

• Always use a crash-tested securement system to safely anchor the wheelchair using a 4-point tie-down system to keep it stationary – whether you are sitting in the vehicle seat or in the wheelchair.
• An automatic lock-down system will also work to make the manual tie-down system easier. It connects to a bracket installed on the bottom of the wheelchair, allowing independent wheelchair securement.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

The 4 Steps to Driving Independence

If you have recently become a person with a disability or you’re a senior and realize your driving skills have declined over the years, don’t self diagnose or speculate about the type of adaptive equipment you may need. There are four other places to start the process of confident driving independence.

Don’t buy anything yet – not a van or even hand controls – before you consult with these four places!

Start with (1) your physician and discuss your concern/challenge. He/she will diagnose your problem and may recommend (2) an occupational therapist (OT). If the OT cannot help, the next step is (3) a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS).

A CDRS evaluates your skills and decides if you’ll be able to drive with vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment, determine what is best for your unique needs and train you on their use.

During the evaluation you can try an assortment of equipment to enhance your abilities. Some equipment (turning seat, hand controls, etc.) may be more than you need today, but you may need them in six months or a year.

When you feel confident with the equipment, you can train on the road, in traffic.

The cost of a CDRS evaluation and training varies. Get an estimate from the evaluator and submit it to your insurance company and/or your state’s dept. of rehabilitation, who may assist with the cost.

When you decide you’re ready to purchase a van and/or adaptive or accessible equipment, consult with experts in the field. To locate one, call the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association at 866-948-8341 or visit www.nmeda.org.

Finally, take the driving test and get your license to drive!

To locate a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist in your area, contact The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, 2425 N. Center St., #369 Hickory, North Carolina 28601 or visit www.aded.net. Call 828-855-1623 or toll free 866-672-9466 in the United States and Canada.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

No More Blind Spots and Other Good News



Drivers with disabilities can have enlarged mirrors on their vehicles to detect blind spots and even radar-enabled blind spot detection devices to enhance their driving safety, but on Dec. 3, 2010 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a new safety regulation that would effectively make rear-view cameras mandatory equipment in all new cars by late 2014.

The proposed rule is intended to help eliminate blind zones by having “a 180-degree view” around a car. Drivers will be able to see directly behind the vehicle when backing up – great news for those who have difficulty turning their head to see over their shoulder. Hopefully, the rule will be made final early next year.

This will not only enhance safety for drivers with disabilities, but for senior drivers and everyone else.

Many other technology-laden safety devices are already senior friendly and a blessing to anyone with disabilities. Four I especially like are below.

Adaptive cruise control maintains a pre-set speed, but, using radar, automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a proper space between your vehicle and the one ahead. If the car in front slows, your car brakes, then re-accelerates back to speed when space allows.

Electronic stability control (ESC) strategically applies the brakes to help restore traction and balance in extreme maneuvering, cutting down on rollovers. It is already standard on many vehicles, but NHTSA announced that it be mandated on all cars by model year 2012. ESC requires an antilock brake system (ABS), so all cars starting in 2012 will also have ABS brakes.

Lane-departure warning systems that let you know if you’re drifting over the yellow line are available on more and more vehicles.

Night Vision System senses infrared energy radiated by objects that you can’t see with headlights alone. It converts it into a visible image you can see, allowing more time to take action – and miss that pedestrian or animal.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Tips on Buying Auto Insurance for Those with Disabilities

Are you a safe driver? Discount! Are you married? Discount! Is your vehicle modified in any way? Oops. Modified vehicles send up red flags to insurance companies. They automatically link “modified” with activities like street racing, and can then legally hike premiums or deny coverage.

Make sure your company knows the modifications are due to disabilities and they understand the insurance is for the vehicle and the conversion components, plus coverage for replacement costs.

Shop around to get the best price.

According to The Hartford Financial Services Group, “Insuring a significantly modified vehicle, which increases the value of the vehicle, will cost more than the same non-modified vehicle, if the modifications are insured for physical damage — comprehensive and collision coverage. Liability coverage is not affected by vehicle modifications. If the modifications are not insured, premium will not be impacted.”

Modifications are not the only factors that influence premiums.

• Gender: Younger men pay more, as they tend to drive more aggressively and take more risks than females.
• Age: Young drivers in general pay more (a lot more) until they turn 21 (sometimes 25) and then rates increase again when they become seniors.

• Marital status: Single people pay more as they are more accident prone than married couples.
• Driving record: Tickets and/or accidents drive premiums higher.
• Type of vehicle: More expensive cars cost more to repair and that jacks up premiums.
• Education: (1) Lower premiums by taking a defensive driving class and sending a copy of the certificate to your insurance company. (2) College and high school students receive discounts by maintaining a high GPA. (3) College grads pay lower premiums than those with less education.
• Credit score: If you pay bills on time, you’re less likely to file an insurance claim, so your premiums are lower.
• Occupation: The more stressful your occupation and/or the more time you spend driving means higher premiums.
• Your location: Urban areas increase your premiums, as accidents and auto theft are much lower in rural areas. However, even moving 2 miles can possibly raise your insurance.
• Safety equipment: Candidates for lower rates include anti-theft devices, front and side airbags and an onboard service like OnStar and others.
• Organizations: Ask about discounts for organizations to which you belong, including military, senior organizations, etc.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Safety Tips: Drive Defensively

Most drivers feel they could drive in their sleep, but if you replaced their standard gas pedal (on the right), with a left-foot accelerator, (which many with disabilities use), it becomes a whole new experience, takes much more concentration and brushing up on the old rules.

Even if you were an excellent driver before a disability, you are a newbie to adaptive driving. After taking a driver rehabilitation course and getting out on the road by yourself, you should not assume you can automatically drive safely in every condition.

Old rules still apply, like: “Don’t multitask!” That one is even more important today, with electronic toys like cell phones and iPods, so don’t fiddle with the radio, eat, drink or do anything else that takes your eyes off the road – even for a second. Such distractions are a major contributor to accidents, especially for seniors. That said; here are more tips on driving like your life depends on it.

• Adjust mirrors before you even start the engine and check the side and rear-view mirrors every 15 seconds while driving, especially if you have vision problems.
• A safe rule of distance between cars is for every 10 miles per hour of speed; leave at least one car length of space between your vehicle and the one ahead; more if your reaction time is slower than it once was.
• Double check blind spots before changing lanes. The blind spot on the right is larger than the left one, so give it more attention. Especially handy for those with decreased peripheral vision.
• Move your seat close enough to the steering wheel so your wrist can rest on top of the wheel with your arm outstretched and your back against the seat. This is the best position for changing lanes quickly, should you need to.
• Setting the air conditioning to a cooler temp helps to stay alert. If you tire easily, stop and do light exercise.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Flying Anywhere Soon? Do You Have Your Notification Card?

Traveling for anyone is somewhat of a hassle, but for those with disabilities, it can be a nightmare sometimes. Airport security screenings can be especially tough. However, approximately a third of people with disabilities fly at least once every two years, so the drawbacks don’t stop everyone. Now the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made it a tad bit easier.

TSA has created notification cards that travelers may use to inform Transportation Security Officers (TSO) about any disability, medical condition or medical device that could affect security screening. Although these cards do not exempt them from security screening, their use may improve communication and help travelers discreetly notify TSOs of their conditions.

TSA has distributed the cards directly to various disability groups. They are available for download at disability-related Web sites such as www.disability.gov by entering “Notification Cards” in the site’s search field.

Other tips to lower the stress level when traveling

• It is especially difficult for seniors and those with disabilities when airlines bump passengers. Get your seat assignment as early as possible, as they bump those with unassigned seats first.
• Remind the screener about your physical limitations and any internal or external medical implants before a pat-down procedure. Ask them to change their gloves to avoid germs.
• If you’re taking gifts, don’t go to the trouble of wrapping them. TSOs may unwrap them for security reasons.
• Your notification card, medications, money and tickets should be in a carry-on, not in luggage that has been checked.
• If you need a lot of personal care, travel with someone who is familiar with your needs.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert

Wheelchair Vans: A Beginner’s Glossary of Terms

If you are a person with disabilities who has never bought a wheelchair van before, it is vital to understand the jargon salespeople use. To talk their language, we’ve offered a beginner’s glossary of terms to wet your feet before going to a dealership.

Accessible: Readily usable by a person with disabilities. It could be a vehicle modified for someone with a wheelchair, lodging with a shower that allows easy access for a wheelchair and grab bars, parking reserved for those with disabilities, etc. Sometimes involves a ramp, lift or other means to get into or out of something.

Conversion: A vehicle rolls off the assembly line at a manufacturing plant as a passenger van without ramps, lifts or other wheelchair accessible equipment. The van is modified by a separate company that installs accessible and adaptive devices. It is then a conversion van/vehicle and will be sold to someone with disabilities.

Hand Controls: Also called driving controls or adaptive aids, these may include steering devices, accelerator, brakes and other functions that have been altered for use by one’s hand.

Kneeling system: The vehicle actually “kneels” by lowering itself closer to the ground for easy ramp loading and unloading. (Air suspension is the magic in kneeling.) The kneeling system makes it easier to get the wheelchair into and out of the vehicle.

Tie-downs: (Also called restraints or docking systems.) A vital safety feature for wheelchairs, tie-downs feature heavy straps or harnesses mounted to the floor in a four-point restraining system. Fasteners attach to the wheelchair to hold it securely in place and give the greatest amount of stability and prevent injury in case of an accident.

Post purchase resellers program: When you are ready to sell the van or vehicle, many dealers will buy it back at a discounted price or sell it for you for a fee.

There are many more terms, but these will get you started on the road to freedom.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Time to Update Your Yearly Sports Calendar!

As we near 2011, it’s time to mark our calendars with birthdays and other events we don’t want to miss. People with disabilities with an interest in sports can find events throughout the year. Many have registration or ticket dates months before the event, so it’s a good idea to check them out now. The following is just a taste.

Feb. 5-6 – Western Regional Jr. Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, held in Oakland, California by the National Wheelchair Basketball Assn. Categories include junior, women’s and men’s. Visit www.nwba.org.

April 11 – Boston Marathon. Held yearly on the third Monday of April. The Boston Marathon has a push rim wheelchair division, a visually impaired/blind division and a mobility impaired program. Visit www.baa.org.

April 15 is the deadline for applications for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, scheduled for Aug. 1-6 in Pittsburgh. The largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world, this event offers 17 different sports to Veterans who use wheelchairs. For more info, visit www.va.gov and click on “Media Room.”

April 15-17 – Face of America bike ride to honor our military (injured, veterans and active duty) by World T.E.A.M. Sports. Ride from Washington, D.C. to Gettysburg, PA. Individual and team registration starts Dec. 6. Visit www.worldteamsports.org/events/face-of-america/ for this and other events.
May 16-21 – The Warrior Games, Colorado Springs, Colorado, helps elevate abilities through athletic competition for wounded, ill, and injured service members. Visit www.USParalympics.org/WarriorGames and browse other events by sport.
May 28 – Extremity Games Motocross in Millington, Michigan. Extremity Games Main Event is scheduled for June 24-25 in San Antonio, Texas. Extremity Games is an extreme sports event including competitions, instructional clinics and exhibitions for athletes with limb loss or limb difference. Visit www.extremitygames.com.

It’s not a sport, but mark April 15-17 for the Abilities Expo at Los Angeles Convention Center. You can try out a host of sports, like adaptive wall climbing, wheelchair fun course, wheelchair dancing and more. It also showcases the latest products, services, workshops and activities. Abilities Expos are also scheduled at New York, Chicago, Houston, San Jose and Atlanta during the year. Visit www.abilitiesexpo.com for full information.

All year: Paralyzed Veterans of America has a sports and recreation calendar of events across America, including billiards, trapshooting, bowling and bass tournaments. Visit http://www.pva.org and search “sports.”

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

For Safe Travel, Prepare a Roadside Emergency Kit

One in four people experience a roadside emergency each year, so to be prepared, it’s a good idea to have a roadside emergency kit.

Just like your cell phone, driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance, an emergency kit is essential when you drive. You can purchase one ranging from $15 to $75+, but you can also assemble one yourself. A basic kit can be supplemented with additional items for long-distance trips or where severe weather conditions occur.

It’s great to have a kit with all the following items, but you can start small and add to it over time.

• Jumper cables or portable battery booster
• Rain poncho
• First aid kit
• Rags or paper towels
• Flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Electrical or duct tape
• Bungee cords (great for holding down a broken trunk)
• 30-minute lightsticks, reflective hazard triangles and or flares, reflective vest
• Tire sealant and inflator (comes in a can) and/or tire repair plug kit. These are not permanent fixes; the tire will need to be repaired.
• Tire pressure gauge
• Small tool kit
• Fire extinguisher compact unit that’s labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC – get away from a vehicle on fire, but extinguish small fires or ones that just started.
• Whistle
• Spare fuses
• Water and nonperishable emergency food
• Disposable flash camera – for insurance purposes, after an accident
• Jack and lug wrench for changing a tire – read the owner’s manual and make sure you know how to use it.
• Swiss-style knife
• Blanket, hat & gloves to help keep warm in the winter time if you are stranded.

Know how to use all the items, keep them clean and fresh, and here’s hoping you never need them!

If your disability is such that you cannot perform any repairs, look into ADA Nationwide Roadside Assistance at http://www.americandriversalliance.com or call 1-800-720-3132. It is membership based; and for a yearly fee provides emergency roadside assistance tailored to those who use mobility devices and their modified vehicles.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!