Driving is a fundamental aspect of independence for many people, and for those with disabilities, the right driving aids can make all the difference. Disability driving aids are designed to assist drivers with limited mobility or strength, allowing them to operate their vehicle safely and confidently. This guide explores the various driving aids for disabled drivers available and how to select the most appropriate options for your specific needs.
Understanding your requirements
Before selecting any disabled driving aids, it’s crucial to understand your specific needs and limitations. Consider these key factors:
- Specific disability: Different conditions affect the body in unique ways. Some may impact hand strength, while others affect range of motion.
- Affected body areas: Determine if you need aids for hand or foot pedals. This will help decide between car hand controls and pedal adaptations.
- Strength and range of movement: Assess your grip strength, upper body strength, and mobility to choose aids that require minimal force.
- Functions needed: Identify which driving functions require assistance, such as steering, acceleration, or braking.
Comprehensive Range of Vehicle Hand Controls
Manual Hand Controls
Hand controls are essential for disabled drivers who cannot use their legs to operate the accelerator pedal or brake. Several types of control devices are available:
- Push-pull Hand Controls: These involve pushing and pulling a lever to operate the brakes and accelerator. They require sufficient upper body strength and can be operated with either your left hand or right hand while keeping one hand on the steering wheel.
- Radial hand controls: These driving adaptations require less strength for acceleration, as the lever is pushed down to accelerate and away from you to brake, making them suitable for drivers with limited strength.
Electronic Hand Controls
For drivers with significantly limited strength or movement, electronic hand controls offer advanced solutions:
- Electric Throttle and Push Brake: This system uses an electronic ring accelerator for acceleration, requiring minimal force and movement.
- Left Foot Accelerators: For drivers who have limited mobility in their right leg but can use their left, these adaptations transfer the accelerator function to the left side.
Steering Aids for Disabled Drivers
Steering aids are crucial when using hand controls, allowing you to steer effectively while operating other controls:
- Steering Balls: These rounded grips fixed to the steering wheel allow for easy rotation with one hand. Many come with a quick release mechanism for convenience.
- Wireless Keypad Steering Aids: These integrate secondary controls (indicators, headlights) into the steering device, making it easier to manage multiple functions with one hand.
- Glove & Peg and Tetra Grip: Designed for drivers with limited grip, these aids strap the hand to the steering wheel or use pegs to support the wrist and hand, providing stability and control.
Selecting the Optimal Disability Driving Aids
Choosing the right driving aids for disabled drivers involves careful consideration:
- Professional Assessment: Have a qualified mobility specialist evaluate your specific needs and capabilities.
- Trial and Testing: Experience different control devices to determine which feels most comfortable and effective for your situation.
- Customisation: Many car hand controls and vehicle adaptations can be tailored to fit your specific vehicle and personal requirements.
- Training: Proper training with your new driving adaptations ensures you can use them safely and effectively.
Disability driving aids offer a range of solutions ensuring independence and safety on the road. By understanding your specific needs and exploring the various options available, you can find the perfect aids to enhance your driving experience. Whether you require vehicle hand controls, electronic hand controls, or steering aids for disabled drivers, there’s a solution tailored to your unique requirements.
At PB Conversions, we are committed to helping you maintain your independence with the right driving aids. Our specialists can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find disabled driving aids that meet your needs and allow you to drive with confidence. Contact now!
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.