Driving Aids

Driving controls, called driving aids in the accessible vehicle industry, must be appropriate for individual needs and abilities. It is highly recommended you be evaluated by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS). Please click here to be taken The Safe Driver -- Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, Nor-Cal Mobility's first choice for learning how to drive from a wheelchair. 
 

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Hand Controls
Hand controls allow drivers to operate gas and brake controls by hand instead of foot. Original pedals are not affected, so the vehicle can be driven normally by other drivers. The vehicle should also have power brakes and power steering. If the vehicle you are purchasing comes with power adjustable gas and brake pedals, this feature must be made inoperable prior to having hand controls installed.

The most popular mechanically operated hand controls use a single horizontal rod that pushes towards the pedals for brake and down towards the lap for acceleration.

To choose between these hand controls, you must evaluate the unique operating characteristics of each control and decide if they are right for you. For example, the push-right angle pull hand control uses mostly upper arm muscles and requires space between the knee and the steering wheel to operate. On the other hand, the twist-grip control uses mostly wrist muscles for acceleration. Whatever hand control you choose should not cause you to tire quickly.

Getting the proper fit between the car, driver and hand control is the key to proper function and comfort. The driver must fit comfortably inside the car while allowing sufficient space for the hand control to work. But don't overlook something more basic. First, the driver needs to decide if the transfer into the car and stowing the wheelchair is too much work. If it is and it keeps you from going places, then you need to try a different vehicle. There is no magic formula for finding a new car; just the fun and frustration of searching for the right vehicle.

Hand control installation is critical to both fit and safety. Installers make sure the hand control is adjusted properly and out of the way of the knees and feet. They also make sure all parts are tightened properly, no wires are pinched and, where possible, the airbag system is operational. Also, hand controls can be adjusted so they are not too close to the steering wheel or door. On some models, the amount of travel and strength needed to push the accelerator can be adjusted. The force needed to brake, however, is almost always controlled by the resistance built into the car's brake system.

Guidosimplex has been manufacturing state-of-the art hand controls for more than 50 years, and is now introducing its latest products to the United States and Canada. Designed, manufactured and produced at the company's headquarters in Rome, all Guidosimplex devices provide a solution to most driving disabilities. Nor-Cal Mobility, Inc. is the West Coast distributor for Guidosimplex products. Please click here to view products available from Guidosimplex.

Most manufacturers require training courses for installers to make sure that the installation is safe. The hand control manufacturers can direct you to a certified installer in your area. Also they can explain their warranties, insurance and safety procedures. First-time purchasers of hand controls should obtain driving instructions from a trained driver rehabilitation specialist. You can find one near you by contacting ADED, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, at 800-290-7067 or by visiting www.aded.net.

Electronically Assisted Hand Controls
One option available for some drivers is to install electronically assisted hand controls. This technology was originally modeled after technology used in the aerospace industry. First installed and used in an automobile in 1990, it has revolutionized how people in wheelchairs approach driving. EMC offers two types of controls. Primary Controls manage gas, brakes, and steering while the Secondary Driving Controls manufactured by EMC are designed to operate vehicle functions other than Gas, Brake & Steering. EMC offers a variety of options for many different vehicle applications, and each EMC secondary control comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.
 
 

 

Foot Controls
The left foot accelerator is recommended by driver evaluators for drivers to accelerate using their left foot. It is equipped with a guard to prevent the driver from inadvertently resting their right foot on the accelerator pedal. The left foot accelerator incorporates a quick-release mechanism and is easily removable without tools for ambulatory drivers. A doctor's prescription is necessary prior to the installation of this foot control, and subsequent training is required. Pedal extensions help drivers who cannot reach these foot controls without sitting too close to the driver's air bag. Gas and brake extensions ranging from about an inch to 12 inches are possible.

Pedal guards are recommended by driver evaluators to be used with foot controls. The guard protects drivers from inadvertently resting their feet on or under the gas or brake pedal. A quick-release mount allows ambulatory drivers to easily remove the device without tools and have full use of the pedals.