10 Driving Tips That All Disabled Drivers Should Know

Driving with a disability can pose some specific challenges. Many disabled drivers need to operate vehicles that have been adapted or modified in some way. There’s plenty of good advice for disabled drivers out there, and following it will help you keep yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe.

There are several ways you can learn how to drive safely with a disability. One option is to attend a driving school for adults with disabilities. These schools teach people with disabilities how to drive as safely and effectively as possible. You can also find a lot of good information online about how to drive safely with a disability (including right here!).

Read on as we outline 10 driving tips that all disabled drivers should know.

woman driving vehicle
Image by Pexels on Pixabay: Driving with a disability can pose some extra challenges.

Disabled Driving Tips

Here are our top 10 driving tips that all disabled drivers should know.

1. Drive The Safest Vehicle Possible

One of the most effective ways for disabled drivers to stay safe on the roads is to drive a safe vehicle. Modern vehicle safety systems are highly effective, so driving a newer model vehicle will keep you and your passengers safer than driving an old model.

2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well-Maintained

Another important tip that will help you stay safe is to always make sure your vehicle is well maintained. This means taking it for regular servicing and keeping on top of general vehicle maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle.

3. Drive A Vehicle With All Appropriate Disability Adaptations

Disabled drivers need to have all of the appropriate vehicle modifications for their specific disability. Make sure your vehicle has any disability adaptations it needs to make driving safer, easier, and much more enjoyable.

4. Stay As Calm As Possible Behind The Wheel

Stressed-out driving, erratic behavior behind the wheel, and road rage are big causes of injury and death on the roads. Always try to stay as calm as possible when behind the wheel. When you’re calm and collected, you’re much more likely to drive responsibly and safely.

5. Stay Safe By Implementing Defensive Driving

It’s always a good idea to implement defensive driving skills. Defensive driving involves:

  • Always having safety as a first priority.
  • Being aware of your surroundings.
  • Not relying on good driving from other road users.
  • Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
  • Driving at a safe speed.
  • Avoiding distractions.

6. Never Drive While Drowsy

Drowsy driving is a major cause of injury and death on the roads. If you’re tired, pull over and take a nap, get some fresh air, or have a coffee.

7. Never Drive Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is lethal, and never worth the risk. You should also understand the effects of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you may be taking.

person driving car
Image by freestocks-photos on Pixabay: Disabled driving tips can help you stay safe on the roads.

8. Always Keep Your Vehicle Stocked With Emergency Equipment

It’s important for disabled drivers to keep their vehicle well-stocked with emergency equipment, such as:

  • First aid kit
  • Drinking water
  • Back-up medication
  • Snacks
  • Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
  • Tool kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Duct tape
  • Cell phone and car mobile phone charge
  • Warm clothes and blankets
  • Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction
  • Windshield washer fluid

9. Avoid Heavy Traffic By Planning Your Route In Advance And Using Satellite Navigation

Being stuck in heavy traffic is stressful and time-consuming. You can usually avoid heavy traffic by planning your journey in advance, traveling at off-peak times if possible, and using satellite navigation.

10. Always Have Your Disabled Parking Permit With You

Always make sure you can avail of disabled parking infrastructure wherever you go by having your disabled parking permit with you at all times.

How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit

You can get a disabled parking permit by applying to your local disabled parking authorities. The first step is to have a consultation with a medical professional licensed in your state. This can be done remotely by video conference and can be arranged online with Dr. Handicap.

Once the medical professional has verified your disability, they will sign an application form and email it to you. You should then complete the application and submit it, either by mail, in person, or in some states online, to your local disabled parking authorities. This will usually be your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. It’s a quick and easy process, so get started today!

Featured image by Larisa-K on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Kentucky

Kentucky has a user-friendly disabled parking program. Adhering to Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines, disabled parking in Kentucky exists to improve the lives of disabled residents and visitors to the Bluegrass State.

Below, we’ll outline the list of qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Kentucky. We will also explain the Kentucky disabled parking permit application process and discuss Kentucky disabled parking rules and regulations. Let’s jump in!

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Kentucky?

Kentucky disabled parking permits are available from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing. The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Kentucky:

  • Permanent placard or license plates
  • Temporary placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate (for people whose disabilities are military service-related)
elderly people
Image by Pavlofox on Pixabay: What qualifies you for a disability placard in Kentucky?

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Kentucky?

What qualifies you for a disability placard in Kentucky? A person will qualify for a Kentucky disabled parking permit if:

  • They cannot walk two hundred feet without needing to stop to rest.
  • They cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistant device.
  • They are restricted by lung disease to the extent that their forced respiratory and expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or their arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air at rest.
  • They use portable oxygen.
  • They have a cardiac condition to the extent that their functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • They are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • They have lost the use of an arm or both arms.
  • They are blind.

Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Kentucky?

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a permanent disabled parking permit in Kentucky:

  • Licensed Physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Chiropractor
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a temporary disabled parking permit in Kentucky:

  • Licensed Physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Chiropractor
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

How Do I Get A Disability Parking Permit In Kentucky?

The Kentucky disability parking placard application process is quick and easy.The forms for a disabled parking permit in KY must be signed by a state-licensed medical professional, so the first step is to have a consultation. This can be done online at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once the application form has been signed by the medical professional, they will email it to you. You can then complete the form and submit it to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

When Do Kentucky Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

All types of Kentucky disabled parking permits expire. Once a permit expires, it is no longer valid and will need to be replaced or renewed.

  • Permanent parking placards are valid for six years.
  • Temporary parking placards are valid for up to three months.
  • License plates are valid for up to one year and expire on July 31st.
paddleboat in kentucky
Image by USA-Reiseblogger on Pixabay: How do I get a disability parking permit in Kentucky?

How Do I Renew A Kentucky Disabled Parking Permit?

To renew your Kentucky disabled parking permit, you must submit a new application form to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Kentucky Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations

  • Kentucky disabled parking permit holders can park for free in any designated disabled parking space and in metered, on-street spaces for free for extended periods in certain jurisdictions.
  • Permit holders may not park in any parking space that is signposted as “No Parking” or reserved for emergency response or commercial vehicles.
  • Disabled parking placards must be displayed clearly, hanging from the vehicle’s rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked. Placards must be removed from the rearview mirror and safely stowed when the vehicle is in motion.
  • Disabled parking permits can only be used by the official permit holder.

Where Can I Use My Kentucky Disabled Parking Permit?

Kentucky disabled parking permits are valid in:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Japan
  • EU
  • UK
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Featured image by Brandon Randolph on Pexels

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Maine

Well-run and user-friendly, the Maine disabled parking program exists to improve the lives of disabled residents and visitors to the Pine Tree State. Below we’ll outline the full list of qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Maine, discuss Maine disabled parking rules and regulations, and explain how you can apply for a Maine disabled parking permit. Let’s dive in!

How Do I Qualify For Disabled Parking In Maine?

You will officially qualify for a disabled parking permit in Maine if you have a qualifying disability that has been certified by a state-licensed medical professional.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Maine?

So, what qualifies you for a disability placard in Maine? The following list of disabilities qualify a person to get a disabled parking permit in Maine:

  • An inability to walk 200 feet without rest
  • An inability to walk without the assistance from another person or the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair or assistive device
  • Lung disease to such an extent that forced expiratory volume for one second, when measured by a spirometer, is less than one liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Portable oxygen usage
  • A cardiac condition classified in severity as Class 3 or Class 4, according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
  • Recovering from childbirth (temporary placard only)
person in wheelchair with cane
Image by klimkin on Pixabay: What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Maine?

Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Maine?

The following state-licensed medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Maine:

  • Physician 
  • Physician’s Assistant 
  • Nurse Practitioner 
  • Registered Nurse

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Maine?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Maine:

  • Blue placard (permanent placard issued to individuals with a permanent disability)
  • Red placard (issued to individuals with a temporary disability)
  • Green placard (issued to agencies and organizations transporting disabled patients and clients)
  • Disabled parking license plates (available to people with permanent disabilities)
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (available to people whose disability is service-related)

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Maine?

To get a disabled parking permit in Maine, you must first have a consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. This can be done at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once the medical professional has verified your disability, they will sign an application form and email it to you. You should then complete the form and submit it to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

You can submit your application either in person at any BMV branch office or by mail or fax to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Disability Clerk
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

How Much Do Maine Disabled Parking Permits Cost?

Disabled parking permits are free in the state of Maine.

How Long Are Maine Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Permanent disabled permits in Maine must be renewed every four years. Temporary disabled placards expire after six months.

How Do You Renew A Maine Disabled Parking Permit?

You can renew your Maine permanent disabled permit by submitting an application form. There’s no need to get a new medical certification when renewing a permanent permit.

Temporary permits cannot be renewed – instead, you should apply for a new temporary permit if you still require one after your original has expired.

harbor and lighthouse in maine
Image by FrankWinkler on Pixabay: How do I get a disabled parking permit in Maine?

Maine Disabled Parking Laws

The key Maine disabled parking laws are as follows:

  • Permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space for any length of time.
  • Permit holders may park in a parking area with a meter without a charge for a period up to twice the limit otherwise allowed.
  • Disabled placards must be displayed hanging from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a space for persons with disabilities.
  • Placards must be safely stowed when the vehicle is in motion.
  • Permit holders may park in a disability parking space with an access aisle if they need the access aisle to enter or exit the vehicle, or if no other disability parking space is available.

Where Are Maine Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Maine disabled parking permits are valid in:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • EU
  • UK
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Disabled parking permits from all of these jurisdictions are also recognized in Maine.

Featured image by MOHANN on Pixabay

6 Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads

Today we’re here to provide some important safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads. Every year in the US there are over 200,000 road traffic accidents caused by slippery road conditions. Driving on slick roads is dangerous and requires extra concentration and vigilance.

Driving carelessly on slick roads can be lethal. It’s easy to lose control of a vehicle while driving on a slick, slippery surface, and many people are killed or injured each year in traffic accidents because of this.

Every disabled driver needs to know how to drive safely on slick roads. Road slipperiness can occur for a variety of reasons, anywhere in the country. To protect yourself and other road users, it’s essential that you know how to drive safely on slick roads and in slippery conditions.

What Weather Conditions Can Cause Roads To Become Slick Or Slippery?

Several different types of weather can cause slick, slippery roads; snow, ice, rain, wet leaves, or even accidents like oil spills can occur anywhere in the country. For this reason, it’s vital to understand how to stay safe when driving on slick roads.

How Do You Drive In Slippery Conditions?

When driving on slick roads, what should you do? Keep the following key points in mind…

  • Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and functioning optimally.
  • Drive slowly.
  • Practice safe, defensive driving.
  • Leave an appropriate distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.
  • Use your signals early.
  • Wear your seat belt.
winter road
Image by monicore on Pixabay: How do you drive in slippery conditions?

What Should You Avoid Doing On Slippery Roads?

When driving on slippery roads, you should avoid:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Using cruise control

How Can You Prevent Skidding On Slippery Surfaces?

You can prevent skidding on slippery surfaces by:

  • Making sure your tires are the correct pressure and the threads are not worn down
  • Driving slowly
  • Slowing down even more before intersections and turns
  • Braking gently
  • Giving yourself plenty of room to stop
  • Pumping your brakes if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes
  • Avoiding driving through puddles, wet leaves, ice patches, or oil spills

Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads

Here are our top safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained

Making sure your vehicle is well maintained and in excellent working order will help you to stay safe when driving on slick roads. Get your vehicle serviced by a professional at least once a year, and check your tire pressure and tire threads regularly.

2. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

You can stay safe on slick roads by always practicing defensive driving. Defensive driving involves the following practices:

  • Have safety as a first priority.
  • Avoid distractions.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Never rely on good driving from other road users.
  • Drive at a safe speed.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

3. Drive Slowly And Keep Your Distance From Other Drivers

Driving at a safe speed and keeping your distance from the vehicle in front are key parts of defensive driving, but in slick conditions these practices become even more important.

Braking distances are longer in slick conditions, so to stay safe, disabled drivers need to drive at a sensible speed and allow extra distance between themselves and other vehicles when driving in slippery conditions.

rainy slick road
Image by StockSnap on Pixabay: When driving on slick roads what should you do?

4. Use Your Signals Early

Use your signals earlier than usual when driving on slick roads. This will give vehicles behind you extra time to slow down and keep their distance from you.

5. Understand Skidding Maneuvers

If you skid, implement the following maneuvers:

  • Take your foot off of the accelerator.
  • Do not engage the brakes.
  • Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
  • Allow the front wheels to regain grip.
  • Continue to steer gently; do not wrench the wheel aggressively.

6. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Stocked With Emergency Equipment

If you are driving on slick roads, there is always a possibility of an accident or getting stranded. Stay safe by keeping your vehicle stocked with the following emergency equipment:

  • Drinking water
  • Snacks
  • First aid kit
  • Back-up medication
  • Cell phone and car mobile phone charger
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Tool kit
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
  • Jumper cables
  • Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Duct tape
  • Warm clothes and blankets
  • Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction

How Do You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

If you’re a disabled driver, another thing you can do to stay safe on the road is apply for a disabled parking permit. The first step in the process is to have a video consultation with a medical professional. This consultation is so your disability and suitability to use disabled parking can be verified. This can be done easily at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once your disability has been verified, the medical professional will sign an application form and email it to you. You can then complete the application form and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Larisa-K on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Kansas

Today we’re here to talk all things disabled parking in Kansas. What types of disabled parking permits are available in the Sunflower State? How do you apply for a Kansas disabled parking permit? And what are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Kansas? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!

What Is A Kansas Disabled Parking Certificate?

A Kansas disabled parking certificate is a legal document that entails its holder to use disabled parking infrastructure in the state of Kansas, and also in several foreign jurisdictions both in the US and abroad.

Who Issues Disabled Parking Permits In Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicle Services issues disabled parking permits in the state of Kansas.

How Do You Qualify For Disabled Parking In Kansas?

You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in Kansas if you have a qualifying medical condition that has been verified by a state-licensed medical professional.

parking lot in kansas
Image by David McBee on Pexels: How do you qualify for disabled parking in Kansas?

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Kansas?

You will qualify for a Kansas disabled parking permit if you are disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • You are unable to walk 100 feet at length without aggravating an existing medical condition, including an upsurge in pain
  • You are unable to walk without the use of an assisting device such as a brace, crutches, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person
  • You use portable oxygen
  • You suffer from a lung disease that is restrictive to the extent that your arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest, or your forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured through spirometry
  • You have severe visual impairment
  • You have a cardiac condition of Class III or Class IV severity according to American Heart Association standards
  • You suffer from an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely limits your ability to walk

Who Can Certify An Application For Disabled Parking In Kansas?

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a Kansas disabled parking permit:

  • Doctor of Medicine (licensed in any state)
  • Doctor of Osteopathy (licensed in any state)
  • Doctor of Chiropractic (licensed in any state)
  • Doctor of Podiatric (licensed in any state)
  • Optometrist (Kansas-licensed)
  • Physician assistant (Kansas-licensed)
  • Advanced registered nurse practitioner (Kansas-registered)
  • Christian Science practitioner listed in the Christian Science Journal

How Do You Get A Disability Parking Permit In Kansas?

The process of applying for a Kansas disabled parking permit is straightforward. First, you must have a consultation with a medical professional. This can be done remotely at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

The examining medical professional will verify your disability, fill in the relevant sections of a Kansas disabled placard form, and email the form to you to complete. Once the form is completed, you should submit it to your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

Can You Apply For A Kansas Disabled Parking Permit Online?

Applications for disabled parking in Kansas cannot currently be submitted online. Applications must be submitted in person to your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

What Type Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Kansas?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Kansas:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plate
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate

When Do Kansas Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

Temporary disabled parking placards expire after six months. Permanent permit holders must renew their permit every three years.

person in wheelchair
Image by gregade on Pixabay: How do you get a disability parking permit in Kansas?

How Do You Renew A Kansas Disabled Parking Permit?

You can renew your Kansas disabled parking permit by submitting an application, along with proof of continued disability, to your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

Where Are Kansas Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Kansas disabled parking permits are valid in the following jurisdictions:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • UK
  • EU
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

Kansas Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations

  • Disabled parking placards must be clearly displayed hanging from the rearview mirror while a vehicle is parking in a disabled parking space.
  • Disabled parking permit holders from all US states can park in designated parking spaces in Kansas.
  • Permit holders are entitled to park in a metered parking space for free for up to 24 hours.
  • It is illegal for permit holders to park in any areas that are reserved for emergency vehicles or commercial vehicles, or signposted as “No Parking”.

Featured image by Megan Burns on Unsplash