Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. These symptoms can make it difficult to drive safely, especially for people who rely on their car for transportation. Luckily, living with arthritis doesn’t mean giving up on driving and there are a range of practical disability adaptations and tips for a safer, more comfortable journey.
Understanding Arthritis-Related Driving Challenges
Driving with arthritis can pose unique challenges that affect your comfort and safety on the road. The joint pain, limited mobility, and potentially slower reaction times associated with arthritis can impact your driving experience. It’s crucial to communicate these concerns with your healthcare professional to receive tailored advice that considers your specific condition and needs. By addressing these challenges proactively, you can take steps to make your driving experience more manageable and enjoyable.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Arthritis-Friendly Driving
Choosing the right vehicle plays a pivotal role in ensuring an arthritis-friendly driving experience. Look for vehicle models that offer easily accessible controls and adjustable seating options. These features can help you find a comfortable driving position that minimises strain on your arthritic joints.
Additionally, consider investing in grip-enhancing steering wheel covers and seat cushions. These simple additions can significantly enhance your grip on the steering wheel and provide extra support to your back and hips during longer drives.
Ergonomic Driving Techniques For Arthritis Relief
Adopting ergonomic driving techniques can go a long way in reducing joint strain while driving. Instead of using your fingers to operate controls, try using your palm to distribute the pressure more evenly. This can help alleviate stress on individual joints, making the driving experience more comfortable.
Furthermore, it’s advisable to take regular breaks during longer journeys. During these breaks, perform gentle stretching exercises to help maintain flexibility and ease any tension that may have built up during the drive.
Lastly, pay attention to the positioning of your wrists while holding the steering wheel. Keeping your wrists in a neutral position can help minimise stress on arthritic joints and reduce discomfort.
Utilising Driving Aids And Adaptations
Modern technology offers a range of adaptive driving aids designed to cater to the needs of arthritis patients. Explore options such as hand controls, pedal extensions, and steering knobs. These aids can significantly enhance your driving experience by providing alternative methods for operating the vehicle’s controls. Before making any decisions, it’s important to learn about the benefits of these adaptive devices and understand the installation process.
Safe Driving Practices for Arthritis Patients
Ensuring safety on the road is paramount for all drivers, especially those with arthritis. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevent any unexpected issues that could compromise your safety.
Additionally, plan your driving routes strategically to avoid challenging road conditions whenever possible. By doing so, you can minimise the physical demands of driving in adverse situations.
Lastly, keep yourself informed about the potential effects of any medications you’re taking on your driving ability. Some medications can cause drowsiness or impaired reaction times, which can affect your safety behind the wheel.
Driving Aids at PB Conversions
Here at PB Conversions our aim is to make driving fun and as easy as possible for all, we have developed a team of professionals who can install all types of aids to make driving your car easier for you.
We have a range of products such as hand controls, remote control devices and many other products designed for all. If this is something you have been looking for but can’t find the right provider stop right there. We have what you may need.
Contact PB Conversions today to get more information about how we can help you.
Recently had my fourth vehicle adapted by Paul At Pb Conversions.always does a first class job and with first class service & always easy to deal with. Thanks for the great service Paul from you and your crew over the years.
Kiran was very helpful today explaining some of the issues I had with my hoist, and how to avoid them from happening again.
Dealt with the adaptations for my son's new motability vehicle - very friendly, efficient and helpful. Really pleased.
Very helpful and knowledgeable engineer, fast and efficient service
Thank you so much for all your advice, help and very professional job on adapting our car. Without your advice I would never have known to apply for a grant. You were excellent, thank again.
Due to my husband's condition we need a car with adaptions, we were advised by his paraplegic group to visit and this place is the best. Felt so relaxed talking about what we needed, all the staff were so friendly and so well informed, going above and beyond, especially Paul Berridge. I fully recommend this business. Honest and reliable. Thank you.
Staff are super super friendly, helpful, extremely informative and really nothing Paul & Co can’t do to any vehicle. PERFECTION is their middle name! Thank you so much for your outstanding service to me over the years and I look forward to using your company all my driving life.
Excellent work done on our car and very professional company. Great customer service and prompt response to emails.
I am very pleased with the left foot accelerator adaption. The communication with the team was excellent
Our second time of utilising PB Conversions and still as impressed with their skills and assistance! They listen to your needs, their aim is to get you mobile and ensure you are happy and safe. Fully recommend
Very happy with my Adaptations best company I have used
I recently had an under ring accelerator and hand brake fitted to my car and I am extremely pleased with it. All of the staff I spoke to were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, explaining exactly how they worked. I would have no hesitation in recommending this company for mobility assistance
I’ve been using PB Conversions for over 30 years and cannot fault their care and attention to detail with every adaptation I’ve needed. And if something isn’t quite right they quickly sort it. Truly professional and innovative service every time
I have used PB on 2 occasions and 2 different cars. I have found their staff efficient, caring and most pleasant to deal with. Their work on my vehicles has been completed on schedule, flawlessly, with no issues arising after 2 + years use
Very good work and customer service
As always a professional and with care job
Good and prompt adaptions fitted. Support offered and flexible. All staff were helpful and communicated
If you’re looking for 5⭐️ customer service and quality workmanship look no further. I was kept in the picture all the way through the build with photos and telephone calls. A date was set for completion and they delivered on that exact day. It was refreshing to deal with such a professional company. The personal emails from your staff made it a pleasurable experience which is hard to find these day!
Really speedy and flexible response from PBC to an emergency situation requiring hand controls being fitted to a new vehicle. I much appreciated their support
Always excellent service from PB conversions. They had fantastic knowledge of the adaption options available and whether they would fit
Friendly, first class, prompt and efficient service at a very competitive price. Would recommend the company to all.
Would you like an assessment?
If you are a disabled driver, or know a disabled driver in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northamptonshire, please contact PB Conversions for a free no obligation quote to assess what products would benefit you.