How to experience the road as a disabled driver

To many drivers, motoring along on the open road to some unknown destination, knowing we can travel as far as our fuel tank will permit, and assuming we’ll be able to get out of the car and have a look around on arriving at the end point of our journey is something we take for granted. Whilst for many people, driving is a freedom we can experience as and when we choose, for disabled drivers this can become a complicated and rarely undertaken struggle.

Owning a car is not the problem – there are vast numbers of disabled drivers and have been for many, many years. However if you compare the relatively straight forward process that many of us enjoy – walk to the car, get in, drive, get out again – with that of somebody in a wheel chair or scooter, suffering from restricted movement, this apparently easy thing to do becomes a daunting and difficult mission.

First you have to get from your wheel chair or scooter and into the car. Having done this, if you plan to get out of your car at the far end, what do you do with the scooter? How do you get it into the car if walking and standing is difficult?

Luckily, there are aids designed especially to assist with transferring the person into the car, and for taking the scooter or wheel chair with you so that you still have the same freedom at your destination as you would in your local area. Can’t walk far? Not a problem! Bring your scooter with you.

Aids range from simple swivel seats, which make it easier for people to get from their wheel chair and into the car, to person-sized hoists which lift the person into the car. There are also special hoists and storage units which will help you to carry your scooter or wheel chair on any journey, and are easy to unpack at the other end. You no longer need to worry about difficult journeys, or what to do when you arrive.

These tools make it possible for you to get to and from your car with ease, taking your equipment with you. But there are other tools which make the driving process itself a much easier and more comfortable experience. These modifications range from infra red hand controls through which you can control your cars secondary functions, through to pedal guards and easy-release hand brakes. Steering balls are designed specifically for easy, safe one handed driving and sit on your steering wheel, making it easier turn.

Disabled driving needn’t be a chore, and now disabled drivers can take advantage of the latest modifications aimed expressly at making driving a safer and easier experience. This helps provide disabled drivers with the same freedoms experienced by other people.

The Milford Person Lift moves people from the seat of their wheelchair and into the seat of the car, whilst the Carony Wheelchair System uses the existing wheelchair seat to act as the car seat, removing the need to get out of the wheelchair at all.

Wheelchair Lifts are clever ways of transferring your wheelchair or scooter into the your hatchback or estate car. You no longer leave your wheelchair at home – bring it with you and move about at your intended destination just as you would within the streets around your own home. If you don’t have sufficient room within your car then maybe you should consider a wheelchair lift which will store your wheelchair in a secure unit atop your car.

Whatever you disability, don’t let it get in the way of leading a full and meaningful life. With tools such of these you should never feel that your driving options have been limited.