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Wheelchair Transportation Safety Tips: Know How to Ride Safely

If you use a wheelchair, you certainly know how to use it safely. You’ve met a rehabilitation specialist and have understood the rules. But it does not hurt to go over them occasionally, and maybe correct some awful habits you’ve fallen into. Wheelchairs are extremely handy. But they are also likely to get you into danger, if you don’t maintain and handle them correctly. Wheelchair users should know the importance of wheelchair safety, specifically in busy areas like urban centers.

Keeping the device in top shape:

Brakes

Wheelchair brakes must always be in top working condition. Brakes come in very handy when you have to shift from your wheelchair to a bed or a vehicle. In such situations, chair brakes should hold steady. If the chair is wobbly, you can fall and bruise yourself. Brakes are also needed in areas such as driveways and parking lots where the surface may not always be flat. On such surfaces, a brake failure can mean rolling back down with speed, leading to an accident.

Wheels

The wheels of a chair must also be well-maintained. It’s best to test them regularly to see if they are moving smoothly. Be wary of jams and stiff wheel locks that can be dangerous. Get the wheels lubricated on the regular basis. Apart from this, another thing that needs to be checked is alignment. Push the chair along a straight line to see if it can continue straight.

Use ramps

It’s not advisable for wheelchair users to tip the machine to get on a curb. This can result in the wheelchair falling over. In case, there are no ramps or elevators its best to ask for assistance from an attendant to ensure complete safety.

Visibility

Wheelchairs tend to reduce your height, so it's not always possible for people to see you. This is very dangerous on roads, so make sure you wear fluorescent, bright jackets that are especially handy during the night. Also, fix a flag at the back of the wheelchair to raise your profile.

Wheelchair Safety While Riding:

Seat belt

Safety belts are a necessity in every state– and this law applies to wheelchair users as well. To prevent a disabled person from hitting the vehicle during crash, it is extremely important to use a seat belt comprising of a lap and shoulder belt that can fit securely.

Where to sit

The best place for a disabled person to sit is the vehicle’s seat that is crash designed for optimum protection. If not, it is best to have a transit-ready, WCl9-compliant wheelchair. Non-WCl9-compliant chairs are normally not strong enough to survive an impact. WC19-compliant wheelchairs have been designed for motor-vehicles and have been tested for crash.

It is also a good idea to use a securement system to safely fix the wheelchair to keep it absolutely stationary. An automatic lock-down system connects to the installed bracket on the base of the wheelchair, permitting independent securement of the wheelchair.

A wheelchair is essentially a replacement for walking. The machine is available in several different types propelled by seated occupant or motors. There are often handles behind the seat for the assistant to do the pushing. These devices are an excellent choice for people who have been injured or can no longer walk due to illness or disability. For people who live with disabilities, it is important to remember how to use a wheelchair correctly to ensure complete safety. By following the aforementioned tips and also by consulting the experts, one can easily master the use of this devise and can enjoy the benefits of everlasting independence that a wheelchair offers.