Skip to main content

Transportation Safety for Wheelchair Users

Having access to vehicular transportation is not a luxury – it is a necessity. From work to social events, education, shopping and all the other activities that are a part of normal life, transportation plays a key role in providing access. Transport can often be a problem for those with disabilities. It is a major and persistent issue for those who are wheelchair users. This is not a random subjective statement. The Bureau of Transpiration statistics has stated this in its 2002 report and the findings have been confirmed by the National Council of Disability in its 2005 study.

Image Courtesy:https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/
Some wheelchair users may be able to transition from the chairs to a vehicle seat, but the process is often difficult and painful. If the transition is not possible, then the wheelchair must also become a motor vehicle seat so that the person may be transported to where he or she wishes to go. While there are vans and other vehicles that can be modified to carry people in wheelchairs, there are often serious safety issues. As numerous accident studies have shown over the years, the motor vehicles seat is a critical component in protecting occupants of a vehicle when an accident occurs. It is for this reason that wheelchairs that double as motor vehicle seats must be designed to ensure safety while the user is traveling in a motor vehicle.

Wheelchairs Used As Vehicle Seats

The design imperatives include:


  • The capability to be securely positioned in the vehicle so as to provide the user with the same degree of protection available to the occupant of a normal seat if an accident should occur.


  • The facility for correctly anchored belt restrains to ensure the occupant is not thrown from the wheelchair.                 

  • Possessing design features that reduce the possibility of errors while securing the wheelchair in the vehicle.


  • Provision for the use of additional safety equipment, either from the wheelchair manufacturer or from another source, which does not interfere with the safety design of the wheelchair itself.  
Practical Problems

Such wheelchairs are expensive and often difficult to locate. There could be other issues also such as the special needs of the user coming in the way of the safety features. Those who may be wheelchair users only for a limited time, those recovering from injury or surgery for example, may opt to limit their investment in the wheelchair and go in for a low-cost model that does not meet all the vehicle transport safety requirements. For all wheelchair users, irrespective of the reason, the safest and most convenient transport option is to use Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT). A professional NEMT service will have specially equipped vehicle to transport wheelchair users, along with attendants, if required, to wherever they want to go. With easy ingress and egress and numerous safety features, these vehicles offer a safe and convenient mobility option. The drivers too have been specially trained in transporting people with mobility issues and will be able to provide the support that they need.

 Using an NEMT can open up access to essential medical and other services to wheelchair users and also provide a means of transportation for recreational and other travel needs. From doorstep service to event standby, a good NEMT will offer wheelchair users a great deal of safe freedom and mobility. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Transportation Options for the Elderly

When a person is no longer able to drive, the effect of the loss of mobility and freedom can be devastating. In the cases of the elderly, who may have been driving for half a century or more, the loss is often traumatic. The loss of freedom to access and participate in those activities that have been a staple of life for decades can result in stress, depression and a range of other problems, both physical and mental. The effect that this loss of mobility has, is often not noticed by friends and loved ones because the elderly are frequently too stubborn or proud to let others know how it affects them. Hiding the impact and bottling it up inside only makes the problem worse and the depression continues to grow unseen, often till it reaches a breaking point. A frequently asked question is - why can’t the elderly use other forms of transport? Image Courtesy: Pexels The Other Options Public transport would appear to be an option. However, for many seniors, a bus or subway journey is

How to Transport a Bedridden Person

Transporting a bedridden person is difficult. However, there are various technologies and facilities that have made transportation easy. Here is how to move a bedridden person: Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Company There are numerous non-emergency medical transportation providers in almost all cities of America. A lot of hospitals or doctors may have a preferred service that they may recommend if you do not have any preference. Also, in certain states, the hospital may help book a van for you. However, it is also easy to choose a company on your own. Search for a non-emergency medical transport online or on a phone directory. In case you do not know which one to select, you can ask your family, friends or even the hospital to recommend. Read also: Don’t Ignore Check-Ups that are Due During COVID-19 Another way to assist you in narrowing your choices is to ask the service provider about the prices. Those companies that offer extremely cheap or exorbitant prices should be dis

Making Everyday Life Easier with Proper Wheelchairs

  In case you are suffering from a health issue or personal injury that constrains your capability to move, you can attain independence with the help of a wheelchair that will suit your needs. Some of the important elements you can take into account when choosing a wheelchair are the type of surface and the several climate conditions you may have to handle. You could also get wheelchair ramps, add-ons, and lifts that can make living easier, especially if you have to utilize a wheelchair long-term or temporarily. Manual Wheelchairs Are Easy to Handle and Lightweight Manual wheelchairs are the best for those who can propel the machine with their arms. This is the most cost-effective option with no recharge and batteries. Moreover, since it is extremely lightweight, it can be transported easily. 1.Most standard manual wheelchairs have a fixed footrest and armrest. However, the footrests can easily be moved up or down. 2. Detachable manual wheelchairs offer a removable footrest and armrest