______________________________________________________________________________________________
Issue_H November 2013 16 Dash Life
Car Driver Information
Physically active wheelchair users can drive cars and
store the wheelchair in the car independently, with a
lot of practice. Training at specialist driving centres is
recommended. Two door cars provide the greatest
access space. Gaining entry to the car first involves
side transfer as section 3. When carrying this
manoeuvre wheelchair users should chose a position
where there is no risk of interference from other
traffic.
The stored wheelchair requires locating not only so
that the driver can reach it, but also to remain safely
secured during the journey.
With sideways folding wheelchairs the driver should
pull the folded wheelchair into the vehicle into space
behind driver or passenger seat.
see figs 19 &20.
Fixed frame wheelchairs, with quickly detachable
wheels can be disassembled once the driver has
transferred into the car. The parts then being stored
safely within the vehicle.
It is recommended that wheelchairs stored on the
front passenger seat are secured using the car seat
belt through the frame. A wheel bag may be useful
for long journeys or for keeping dirt away from the car
seating area. When there is another able bodied
passenger present, the storing options as section 9.1
are recommended.
FIG 19
A Sideways
Folding
wheelchair can be
stored behind the
front seat.
FIG 20
Guidelines for Wheelchair & Occupant
Transportation in Vehicles
This information is given in order to reduce the risk of
bad practice. It is based on current available
knowledge. Wheelchair users and transport
operators have a responsibility to ensure that safety
measures take account the needs of wheelchair
occupants and other passengers to minimise the
risks involved for each individual situation. Vehicles
transporting wheelchair occupants should have safe,
secure wheelchair access, transport operators should
recognise this. Available publications are Safe
Transportation of Wheelchairs, DB2001(03) June
2001, Safe Use of Wheelchairs and Vehicle mounted
Passenger Lifts. DB2003(03).
Public Transport
Wheelchair users who choose to travel in a local bus
or public service vehicle should recognise that this
involves risk, and a complexity of related issues. The
user has a responsibility to make the decision of how
to travel carefully. Pre journey planning will avoid
difficult access situations, which could be
encountered later, when it is too late to do anything
about it. In busy, congested areas, users will require
skill to avoid collisions with other passengers, when
approaching and boarding the vehicle. Wheelchair
brakes may not hold a chair and occupant stable
against inertia forces of normal traffic conditions,
such as cornering or coming to a halt, and
wheelchairs in vehicles should be prevented from
moving by other means. Dept of Transport approved
designated wheelchair areas in low floor buses with
support pillars and hand rails at wheelchair height are
the most suitable. Users are advised to check
availability of wheelchair facilities with the transport
vehicle operator, and note time schedules.
Specialised Transport for Wheelchair Occupants.
These vehicles should be fitted with approved
restraint systems. Dept of Transport approved taxis
for individuals are available, but users with neck
problems are advised to check that there is adequate
headroom.
Restraint systems for minibuses range from
wheelchair tie downs, to more compact foldaway
devices. Installers and operators of vehicles with
restraint systems must be trained in their correct use
by the restraint manufacturer, or approved mobility
specialist. The CTA can provide useful advice. R
Healthcare have actively participated in the creation
of new safety standards in this area through
membership of BSTA, in co-operation with the Dept
of Transport & B.S I. The resultant standard, BS EN
ISO 10542 states the following:
