There is assistive technology for many activities associated with driving; your choice will depend on what you need:. Getting in and out of a vehicle: Two of the main factors to consider in the return to driving after an SCI are vehicle entry and exit, and loading and unloading the mobility device if you use one. Operating the gas and brake controls: There are many different types of gas and brake controls; the most common are hand controls.
Hand controls are available with many types of motion—push-pull, push-twist, push-rock, and push-right angle—so that drivers can use the one that suits them best. A CDRS can help you choose the best type for your injury or disability. Controls can be mounted for the left or right hand. Pictured above is a right- floor—mounted mechanical hand control. Also a removable accelerator pedal block and steering wheel spinner knob can be seen. Photo courtesy of Shepherd Center. Often a driver using hand controls will use only one hand for the steering wheel because the other hand is controlling the gas.
A steering device like the one pictured here can help a driver steer efficiently with only one hand. The device can be placed on either side of the steering wheel, depending on which arm is strongest.
The steering system can also be adapted so the driver can turn the wheel with less force using a smaller steering wheel, a separate electronic steering wheel, or even a foot-operated steering device. Timing is everything. Take your time and get all the facts. Your body might need time to adjust to the effects of your SCI.
For example, your motor functions might be different 1 month after your SCI than even a few to several months later. The CDRS will evaluate your skills and help you decide what vehicle and equipment you will need. If you use a wheelchair, it will be important to coordinate your new chair with any plans for driving and also to have your own chair available before you purchase a vehicle so that the vehicle choice can support you and your chair.
Many paraplegics opt for two-door cars, which makes transferring and getting a wheelchair in and out of the backseat or in the seat next to them easier. A lot of experimenting is required when it comes to finding the right driving method for you. Asking around online often helps. Check out nearby hospitals to see what is available. There are so many options for adaptive vehicle hand controls. These hand controls are placed on the steering wheel and on the gas and brake.
Hand controls are placed wherever is most convenient for the person, but many have their gas and brake pedals fused to a rod on the floor next to them so the control is easy to grab. There are also push buttons that can control the use of blinkers, the horn, cruise control, wipers, etc. These buttons can be pushed with the elbow, which makes turning things on and off while driving a breeze.
Most quadriplegics use electric hand controls; while these are more expensive, they are safer. This can even be swapped out and used in other vehicles, which is great for rental cars. We also want to make a note about keeping your balance while driving if you have paralyzed torso muscles.
The cost of modifying a vehicle varies greatly. Find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle. Ask questions, check credentials and references. The joystick has enabled individuals living with quadriplegia to hit the road. Joystick car systems have been around long enough to establish their safety, reliability and performance.
It may come down to your comfort level with electronics and any worries about a total power shutdown at 70 mph. A California company called dSi custom fits its Scott mechanical system to each driver.
The firm says mechanical is more reliable and more refined than electronic. EMC offers an electronic solution called Aevit 2. A main advantage is that Aevit does not require modification of original equipment brakes, steering and airbag assemblies. This means you can resell the vehicle without the mods. Also, an Aevit system can be operated by a non-disabled driver.
The Scott system, by contrast, is joystick only. If you're thinking about going joystick, you can't get one without a referral from a driving instructor. Also, the importance of training cannot be overstated. Third parties, including private insurance, vocational rehab and the VA, have paid for these modifications, so investigate your options. Additionally, ask each manufacturer for user references and if at all possible, check out each system yourself.
See dealer for more. Mobility by Volvo Center. If you are looking for more information on adaptive vehicles or have a specific question, our information specialists are available business weekdays, Monday through Friday, toll-free at from am to pm ET.
Additionally, the Reeve Foundation maintains a fact sheet on driving with a disability with additional resources from trusted Reeve Foundation sources.
Check out our repository of fact sheets on hundreds of topics ranging from state resources to secondary complications of paralysis.
When you drive over it, a peg that has been previously permanently affixed to the bottom of your wheelchair will slide into the lock, creating a safe seal around it that is the just as safe as sitting in the vehicle seat. As for your seat belt, this is on its own separate stand, so you can drive right into it as you drive behind the wheel. For many quadriplegic drivers, keeping their balance is something about which they need to be concerned.
There are other instances however where lateral support may also be required. Lateral side supports can be used to help the driver sit upright, placed along each side of the torso. As for drivers able to transfer out of their wheelchair and drive from the seat of their vehicle, balance is not a concern. The takeaway: Hand controls are awesome. Please don't allow any fears you may have about learning to drive with hand controls prevent you from giving them a whirl.
Many who have waited for years out of fear are blown away at how easy they are to use. Leave a Comment. Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand.
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