| This wheelchair safety advice is for people who use | | | | with little pain, then you should seek that option. |
| a wheelchair and for caregivers, family members and | | | | Sitting in the vehicle provides more safety than |
| close friends who know someone in a wheelchair. It | | | | sitting in a wheelchair. |
| also applies to anyone who might be using a mobility | | | | Any kind of contents in the vehicle should be secured |
| scooter. | | | | for the safety of the wheelchair user. If something |
| There are safety guidelines on how wheelchairs | | | | looks heavy and could be knocked loose by the |
| should be facing during travel. The best direction to | | | | moving vehicle, store it as low as possible to avoid |
| sit is with the wheelchair facing forward because this | | | | any potential injuries. Make sure all accessories on the |
| offers the most protection. Positioning the wheelchair | | | | electric wheelchair such as the battery is properly |
| perpendicular to the vehicle is often dangerous | | | | secured. If the electric wheelchair has a joystick |
| because any jolts or jumps in the vehicle can tilt both | | | | control placed in the center, see if it is possible to |
| the wheelchair and the user. No matter the position | | | | remove that as it could be a hazard during any |
| you intend on placing the wheelchair, make sure the | | | | collisions or emergencies. |
| wheelchair is secured to the ground of the vehicle | | | | Wearing Safety Belts |
| and will not accidentally break free from the restraint | | | | Make sure the belts are fitted for the user and not |
| during a pot hole. The heavier the wheelchair, the | | | | be restrictive or suffocating. Place belt on the inside |
| more you have to consider the strength of the | | | | of the wheelchair and wrap across the pelvis, taking |
| restraint. There are vehicles with built in floor | | | | extra care that the safety belt does not creep up to |
| restraints that provide the best protection but make | | | | the stomach during vehicle movements. The best |
| sure both the restraint and wheelchair are fitted. | | | | kind of safety belt is the 3 point belt with two |
| When you are travelling, if have the ability to stand | | | | attachments of the belt going to the floor and an |
| and sit in the vehicle seats without assistance and | | | | additional attachment that secures on to the vehicle. |