R Healthcare Dash Lite User manual - page 13
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Issue_G_January_2013 13 Dash Lite
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 12 &13.
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 13
A Sideways
Folding
wheelchair can be
stored behind the
front seat.
FIG 14
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.
Remploy 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: