Owning a mobility van can offer so many benefits to those using wheelchairs. Handicap accessible vans can provide the ability to travel, visit friends and family, and participate in activities and access to many other things non-wheelchair users tend to take for granted. One of the greatest things about purchasing a mobility van is knowing that you or your loved one will be traveling safely!
Full-sized and mini-van’s are the safest vehicles ever made. Making sure you are properly secure and know correct procedure for entering and exiting your van is important prior to traveling!
Important safety guidelines:
- Always properly secure your seatbelt! You may feel more support in a wheelchair but that is no reason to avoid this simple task. It can save your life!
- If you are purchasing a new wheelchair as well, it may be a good idea to look at WC-19 compliant wheelchairs. These chairs come with crash-tested safety belts.
- If you are driving your vehicle in your wheelchair, make sure to always use a safety belt system comprised of the shoulder and lap mechanisms. This will help you avoid bumping into any vehicle features in the unfortunate circumstance of an accident.
- If you do not have a WC-19 compliant wheel chair, transfer into the vehicle seat if possible. These are the safest and crash tested and approved.
- Always use a 4-point system tie down in order to be sure you are as secure as possible.
- Automatic lock-down systems will also work to make the manual tie-down apparatus easier. These tend to connect the bottom of your WC-19 compliant wheelchair with the floor of the vehicle.
- A wheelchair rider’s pelvic positioning belt is not the same as a crash tested occupant restraint belt. These belts are only meant to provide postural support. These will not keep you safe from the forces you may incur as the result of an automobile accident.
- Always remove and store all wheelchair equipment attached to your chair. In the event of a crash these may become loose and cause injury.
- Always take the extra time to buckle up the 3-point occupant restraint.
- Do not place your seatbelt at the top of a wheelchair armrest or splashguard. The lap belt portion should always sit above your soft abdomen and no higher!
- Be vigilant of any equipment that looks broken or un-sturdy! A quick fix could save you or a loved ones life!
Looking for a new or pre-owned wheelchair van? Classic Vans is Bay Areas premier dealer of full-sized and mini mobility equipped vans! Call (866) 850-6961 and speak with a customer service representative today! Visit www.classicvans.com and browse inventory. Inquire about finance options!
Don’t live in California? No problem! Ask about low-cost nationwide van delivery.