15
When you need help:
You may need to ask people to open doors for you
. Most people are willing to help, if asked politely. Don’t
struggle to do the impossible, or even the very difficult things when there are people around who would help if
asked.
Driving inside shops and buildings
– This is where you have the advantage over car users! Not many
supermarkets would welcome a car driving round their store. But most bigger shops and even some quite small
ones, are accessible to wheelchairs and scooters. Once inside the store it is
your responsibility
to drive slowly
and safely and not damage the fittings or the stock, or hurt other shoppers or store workers. You may need to
ask for help. Again in most cases people are willing if asked properly. Don’t risk pulling down a whole display to
reach the top shelf. ASK FOR HELP.
Speed in shops and buildings
– Reduce it! – It is a good idea to set the speed control to a lower level to avoid
any accident. Be especially careful if you need to reverse, that your way is clear of shop fittings and people.
Three wheeled scooters with their maneuverability and lightness of steering are more suited to shopping.
On the Road
– Remember you are not driving a car, but a very small and slow vehicle, which is therefore more
vulnerable.
If it is possible, use the footpath
. It is wise to avoid using roads, particularly busy ones.
WHEN DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE ON THE ROAD:
Remember although this is legal for all Class 3 vehicles it is not always safe or sensible to do so. You are
responsible for your own safety and that of other road users. The normal rules of the road apply and you must
obverse the law about:
•
Driving on the left side of the road. Never drive against the traffic.
•
One way streets – Never drive against the traffic
•
Giving way where cars would give way (details in the Highway Code)
•
Obeying traffic lights and all other road signals and instructions
•
Giving way to pedestrians on crossings.
But always remember your vehicle is not a car and is small and vulnerable – If you need to turn right across
traffic, try to get on to the footpath before the turn and then use a safe pedestrian crossing or traffic light control
crossing. Only try to turn right if you are completely sure it is safe to do so. Do not rely only on your mirror. It
may give a false impression of distance. Always give clear indication of intention to turn left or right.
Remember
– the car you can see when you look behind may appear a long way away, but it is almost certainly
moving faster than you are, often deceptively so. It could well be upon you before you complete your maneuver.
And it may not be able to stop in time.
When passing a parked vehicle
– take great care you are not moving into the path of a faster moving vehicle
coming behind you, or towards you. Always signal your intention to pull out.
In the event of a difficult or dangerous situation – Use your hazard lights – But do not drive with them on
unnecessarily
