Traveling Over The Festive Season? Here Are 12 Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers

What precautions should be taken while driving during the holidays? How do you prepare for winter driving? What are the most important holiday driving safety tips? These are important questions every driver needs to consider before traveling over the festive season.

Most holiday driving safety tips are obvious and should be familiar to all drivers. However, other considerations can often be overlooked. It is crucial that you follow good holiday travel safety advice when driving in December. Knowing how to drive safely on winter roads will mean you and your loved ones stay safe while traveling these holidays.

Driving on winter roads during the festive season is often hazardous. The weather is usually cold and snow and ice can make roads slippery. Disabled drivers need to take extra care when traveling by road over the holidays; if you have a disability, you may need to consider additional precautions, like packing extra safety equipment and medication.

Dr Handicap - winter roads — *Image by* *egorshitikov* on *Pixabay: Icy roads can be a hazard when driving over the festive season.*

Let’s dive into 12 important festive season safety tips for disabled drivers.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Has All Necessary Adaptations

Disabled driver vehicle adaptations come in many forms, all of which make it possible for people with disabilities to drive their own vehicle safely and comfortably. When you are driving this festive season, make sure that your vehicle is kitted out with any and all of the vehicle adaptations that you need.

Some of the most popular vehicle adaptations for disabled drivers are:

Hand controls
Pedal and steering wheel extensions
Wheelchair lifts and ramps
Transfer seats
Reduced effort braking systems
Left foot accelerators

2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is In Tip-Top Condition

Before you travel, make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition. Check that:

All lights are working
Tires are in good condition and fully pumped up
Fluid levels are where they should be
There are no leaks under the vehicle
Wipers are working
Warning lights are working
Your car battery is healthy

3. Know What Traffic Conditions Will Be Like On Your Journey

Take traffic conditions into account when planning your journey. If you can travel during periods when roads are less busy, and less treacherous, try to do so. It will make your journey quicker and safer.

4. Keep Informed About The Weather

Make sure to keep up to date on weather conditions on your route. Ice, snow, wind, rain, hail, and storms can all make driving more dangerous. Try to avoid traveling during extreme weather conditions.

5. Pack Any Medication You May Need

Always remember to pack any medication you may need on your journey. It is a good idea to bring more medication than you intend to take in case you get delayed or stranded. Make sure there is easy-to-see identification on your medication, as well as any allergies advice, in case you get involved in an accident and are unable to communicate with first responders.

6. Have All Necessary Safety Equipment In Your Vehicle

You should have all of the following safety equipment with you in your vehicle when you travel:

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

7. Stay COVID-Safe

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to stay COVID-safe, particularly throughout the holidays. This may mean bringing additional hygiene and safety products with you when you travel this festive season. At a minimum, make sure you have the following:

Face masks and/or face shields
Hand sanitizer
Rubber gloves

Dr Handicap - holiday travel — *Image by* *Hans* on *Pixabay: Always check what weather conditions will be like when you travel over the holidays.*

8. Practice Defensive Driving

Always drive like your life depends on it… because it does. Some of the most important core tenets of safe defensive driving are:

Have SAFETY as a first priority.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Don’t rely on good driving from other road users.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Drive within the speed limit.

9. Avoid Distractions While Driving

This should be a no-brainer. But unfortunately, it is still all too common to see people not paying proper attention when driving. Using a mobile device, playing with the stereo system, chatting to other people in the vehicle… It is easy to get distracted when driving, especially when on a long journey. But it’s vital to avoid distractions, because it only takes a split second to lose control of your vehicle.

10. Stay Alert And Wide Awake While Driving

When driving on long journeys, it is easy to get sleepy. But drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. Make sure you are wide awake and alert while driving. If you feel even remotely sleepy, pull over and rest, get some fresh air, or get a coffee. Do whatever you need to do to stay wide awake while driving.

11. Never Drive Under The Influence

This one should also be completely obvious, but it is so important that it needs to be said: NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes any legal drugs or medications that may make you drowsy or compromise your ability to be fully alert and capable of driving safely.

12. Don’t Forget Your Disabled Parking Placard

Finally, always remember to bring your disabled parking placard with you when you travel. Disabled parking permits from all US states are valid in every other US state (as well as several other countries, including Mexico, Canada, the UK, and the EU). So wherever you’re traveling this festive season, you will most likely be able to use your disabled parking placard when you’re there.

Featured image by Taras Zaluzhnyi on Unsplash

7 Mistakes and Misuses of Disabled Parking Permits To Avoid

Qualifying for you parking permit and obtaining it is a relief for a lot of people. Getting more convenient access to the places you travel to can be a lifesaver. But just because you have that coveted placard in your hand doesn’t mean you won’t still have rules to follow, both as a driver and as a passenger. To make sure you’re always on the right side of the law when displaying your handicap placard, here’s a list of some mistakes that disabled parking permit owners should watch out for.

1. Obtaining a fraudulent placard

The most important thing to avoid is purchasing a fraudulent placard that hasn’t been issued by the state you live in. So what happens if you obtain or if you fraudulently use a disabled parking permit? Well… nothing good!

Any nonofficial placards are considered illegal, and if you’re caught using one, you’ll most likely be issued a ticket and a fine for misuse of disabled parking permits. In some states, this type of placard abuse could even come with probation or jail time. So if you’re getting a placard, make sure to only obtain it through the legitimate Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in your state.

2. Driving with your parking permit up

Some disabled drivers may be in the habit of leaving their parking placard hanging from their rearview mirror when the car is in motion. However, this is in strict violation of safe driving laws, because the placard can obstruct your view while driving. So, whenever you start your vehicle, remember to take down your placard—you should only display your handicap placard when your car is parked.

3. Forgetting to display your permit when you’re parked

Because you can’t leave your placard up at all times (see previous point), it can be easy to forget to display your handicap placard when you’re at your destination. But if you want to avoid getting a ticket, it’s super important to remember to have your permit hanging from your rearview mirror or clearly displayed on the dashboard of your car when you’re parked.

If you have a placard but forget to hang it when you park in a handicap parking place, you can still be ticketed and fined, since law enforcement won’t know that you have a legitimate right to park there. So, no matter what, remember to display your permit whenever you’re parked in a disabled parking spot.

Dr Handicap - no parking sign — *Image by Tim Busch on Unsplash: You must obey all parking laws, even if you have a disabled parking permit.*

4. Thinking you can park wherever you want

Even though you have advantages of where you can park with a permit, there are still handicap parking rules that must be followed. Even with a placard, you are still not allowed to park in a number of places, including red curbs or fire lanes, No Parking zones, No Stopping zones, and some types of loading zones.

But what happens if you fraudulently use a disabled parking placard for this purpose? Can a car with a handicap placard be towed? Yes, it can! If you’re parked anywhere you shouldn’t be or anywhere that law enforcement might deem unsafe, your car can definitely still be towed (and you could get ticketed or fined as well).

To stay within the law, read all street signs and posted notices so that you’ll be aware of the places you’re permitted to park. If you can’t tell whether it’s legal to park somewhere, your best bet is simply not to park there, or to ask a building manager or law enforcement what the specific laws are for that spot. Never assume that you can park anywhere you want just because you have a disabled parking permit!

5. Lending your placard to someone else

A super important rule to remember is that it’s absolutely forbidden for you to lend your parking permit out to anyone (even family and friends). You must be present in the vehicle if your placard is going to be used.

So, what are the consequences of placard abuse? The severity differs from state to state (even within specific cities), but if you fraudulently use a disabled parking permit the consequences could be as serious as probation or jail time, or as minor as a fine—though keep in mind that tickets can be hundreds of dollars! To avoid any punishments for misuse of disabled parking permits, never let anyone borrow your placard for any reason.

6. Letting your permit expire

Just because you have a permit now doesn’t mean you don’t need to take steps to keep it valid. In fact, it’s vital that you keep your placard up to date. This means that you need to pay attention to when it expires. Expiry ranges from a few months if you have a temporary placard to several years if you have a permanent permit.

Your placard should have an expiration date listed on it, so you’ll be able to tell exactly when it needs to be renewed. Go to your specific state’s DMV website for more information on how to renew your placard when the time comes. Your permit must always be completely up to date in order for you to legally use it.

Dr Handicap - parking lot — *Image by Lucas Hobbs on Unsplash: Pay attention to handicap parking rules in your area so that you’re always on the right side of the law.*

7. Not researching parking laws in your area

You’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t look up local laws regarding handicap parking in your area. First, you should know what laws to follow in order to be safe, but more importantly, there could be parking benefits near you that you’re unaware of. For example, some states let handicap permit owners park for free at street metered parking, or have unlimited parking even when time limits are posted.

Without doing a bit of research, you could be missing out on some advantages near you. So take a little time to enquire with local law enforcement or check with your local city staff to find out everything you need to know about handicap parking where you live.

As long as you are not misusing disabled parking permits and are avoiding making these mistakes, you’ll be in good shape to take full advantage of your handicap parking permit!

Featured image by Arembowski on Pixabay

4 Best Motorcycle Models For Disabled Drivers

Just because a person has a physical disability does not mean that they cannot enjoy the experience of riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle riding is a common activity for many disabled people. Disabilities need not prevent you from reveling in the freedom and joy that motorcycling can provide.

Lots of motorcycles on the market are suitable for people with disabilities. High-tech vehicle adaptations and accessories can also be added to a motorcycle to make it fit your specific needs. There are numerous options you can implement that will make it possible for you to ride a motorcycle while disabled.

Living with a disability means you need to tackle life head-on, meet challenges, and overcome adversities. For this reason, tend to be high in determination, resilience, and positivity. They have cultivated the ability to live life on their own terms and in their own way.

Motorcycle riding provides a person with freedom and independence, two things that are particularly important to people with disabilities. So read on to find out about some of the best motorcycle models, vehicle adaptations, and accessories that are available for disabled drivers.

Dr Handicap - motorcycle rider — *Image by duncan adler on Unsplash: A motorcycle gives its owner freedom and independence.*

Are There Any Restrictions Around Riding A Motorcycle With A Disability?

Having a disability does not, in and of itself, impose any restrictions around riding a motorcycle. Legally, if you pass your motorcycle test and qualify for your license, then you are entitled to ride your motorcycle.

Some disabilities, such as legal blindness, do impose restrictions on your ability to ride a motorcycle, but not to be a passenger. And as a passenger you are entitled to hold a disabled parking permit and avail of all disabled parking infrastructure.

Can Amputees Ride Motorcycles?

Yes, amputees certainly can ride motorcycles. There are several motorcycle models and adaptations available that enable amputees to ride a motorcycle, either while in their wheelchair or while using a prosthetic limb.

Are There Wheelchair-Accessible Motorcycles?

Yes, there are motorcycles that you can drive while still sitting in your wheelchair. The wheelchair attaches to a flat platform so you can drive the motorcycle without having to leave your wheelchair.

What Are The Best Motorcycle Adaptations For Disabled Drivers?

The most popular motorcycle adaptations for disabled drivers are:

Hand controls for driving
Adaptive electric controls
Conversion of a two-wheeled motorcycle to a three-wheeler for extra stability

Honda and BMW are developing self-balancing motorcycles that will come onto the market soon, and this could be another useful adaptation for disabled drivers.

What Are The Best Handicap Motorcycle Accessories?

There are several accessories for motorcycles that make it easier for disabled people to ride. Four of the most popular accessories for disabled motorcyclists are:

Dual brake systems
Electric button gear shifters
Wheelchair carriers
Floorboards
LegUp LandinGear

What Are The Best Motorcycle Models For Disabled Drivers?

Below are some of the most popular motorcycle companies and models for disabled drivers.

1. Liberator Trikes

This brand makes and adapts custom motorcycles and trikes to spec. They are a great option if you want to get any of the following motorcycles adapted.

2. Yamaha V Star 250

This bike has a 250cc engine and good fuel economy. The 250cc version is safe and easy to handle. For people looking for more power there are several higher-cc V Star models available.

Price: $4,500

3. Honda CB 650F

This Honda offering is a very comfortable bike with smooth ergonomics. It has an upright feel and is suitable for nipping about town or hitting the open road.

Price: $8,000

4. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS

This adventure motorcycle is a great starter bike for people who want to cover all sorts of terrain. It has the power, reliability, and durability needed of an adventure bike, but it also opens up nicely on the open road.

Price: $8,800

Dr Handicap - motorcycle — *Image by* *cloney* on *Pixabay: There are several popular motorcycle adaptations for disabled drivers.*

Do You Need A Disabled Permit To Park A Motorcycle?

If you have a disability and want to avail of disabled parking, you will need to have a disabled parking permit. Having a disabled parking permit, which can be in the form of a disabled license plate or placard, entitles you to park your motorcycle in a disabled parking space.

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

The quickest and easiest way to get a disabled parking permit is to arrange a consultation with a medical professional through Dr. Handicap. Once the medical professional has verified your disability they will fill in the relevant section of a disabled parking permit application form and email it to you straight away. Then you fill in the remaining sections and submit it to your local Department of motor Vehicles.

Featured image by SplitShire on Pixabay

Is Disabled Parking Free At Six Flags?

Six Flags has parks all across the United States that many families enjoy year after year. If you are disabled or have someone in your party who is, then it’s important to understand what to expect from a visit to one of Six Flags’ many parks.

So is disabled parking free at Six Flags? From parking to enjoying attractions, here’s what you need to know about services for the disabled at Six Flags.

Is Disabled Parking Free At Six Flags?

Six Flags does have accessible parking available. The parking is available to those who need it on a first-come, first-served basis. Six Flags asks that when those in need of disabled parking arrive at the park, they talk to a team member about where to find accessible parking spots.

You must have a valid disabled parking placard or plate to park in the accessible parking area and it must be visible at all times while you are parked. If you find that the parking lot is full upon arrival, you can ask for additional parking areas or drop off those who need it in the designated drop-off zones. Those with disabled parking plates must pay the same parking fees as those without disabled parking placards or plates.

Dr Handicap - Six Flags park map — *Image by Art of Hoping on Unsplash: The park maps are a great way to locate Six Flags’ ADA guideline-compliant features.*

Facilities In The Park: Is Six Flags Handicap Accessible?

For people with disabilities, accessibility is important. Six Flags recognizes this, which is why they have accessible restaurants and restrooms available throughout the park.

Every restroom you find throughout Six Flags parks are accessible to wheelchairs. You can find the location of restrooms on the visitor’s maps available throughout the park.

In restaurants, hosts will provide assistance to any person who cannot navigate through the line. They can assist you in ordering food and can also help those with hearing and visual impairments to consult the menus and order.

Theaters

If you want to take advantage of one of the many shows in a Six Flags park, simply arrive at any show facility about 15 minutes before the show is to begin and speak with a host. There is seating specifically for those who cannot transfer from a wheelchair.

Guest Services: Following Six Flags ADA Guidelines

If you have a question at any point during your visit, you can contact any team member at the Guest Services locations throughout the park. They can help resolve any issues you may have or provide more information for specific park services for those with disabilities.

Six Flags Ride Requirements

The rides at every Six Flags theme park require a guest to transfer from a wheelchair with the assistance of someone in their party or by themselves. No employee of the park can help you transfer, as they are not trained in proper carrying or lifting procedures.

Safety may also dictate that not all rides are available to guests who can’t maintain a proper position in the ride at all times. The safety restraints are designed to be used throughout a ride. If someone is not able to properly utilize a safety restraint, then they will be unable to ride. This means that if a restrictive device such as a cast or brace is in use and cannot safely be accommodated on the ride, then you may not be able to take part.

The Attraction Access Program: Six Flags Disability Pass

Six Flags has a program for those with disabilities called the Attraction Access Program. It is meant to help patrons with disabilities enjoy the park to its fullest.

Each attraction at Six Flags has been evaluated to understand if it can be ridden safely by those with disabilities. The Attraction Access Program has measures in place to help disabled individuals with accommodations that help them enjoy equal access to the fun.

Individuals with disabilities can obtain a pass from Guest Services upon arrival at the park. You will need to present a doctor’s note to get the pass. For the note to be valid it must contain your name, the doctor’s name, address, and telephone number, be on official letterhead, and state that that you have a disability qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Dr Handicap - Six Flags restaurant — *Image by Jacob Blanck on Unsplash: Six Flags is handicap accessible for most people – so go have fun! And don’t forget your Six Flags disability pass.*

Six Flags wants everyone to have a great experience. If you have questions about your visit, be sure to contact them ahead of time so you’re well prepared for a great day.

Featured image by Gabriel Valdez on Unsplash

Why The Pandemic Is Hard For Disabled Drivers (And 4 Ways To Make It Easier)

The COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 tough for just about everyone – including disabled drivers. From making it more difficult to go out, to the need for distance from friends and loved one in the interests of your health, the changes to regular life have been a hard pill to swallow.

Let’s take a look at a few of the hardships disabled drivers have faced as COVID has swept across the world, as well as a few vital tips to help make things a little bit easier.

Dr Handicap - COVID-19 — *Image by Adam Niescioruk on Unsplash: Wondering how people with disabilities can cope during the COVID-19 pandemic? Read on.*

How Is The Coronavirus Impacting People With Disabilities?

There are several ways the pandemic has impacted those with disabilities, affecting their ease of navigating the world. Some of these challenges include:

1. Impact on health

While not everyone with a disability has other health problems, many do. So are people with underlying health conditions more at risk of getting COVID-19? Unfortunately, yes. Those with chronic conditions are in the higher risk category for COVID. As a result, they may have to take particularly stringent self-isolation measures in order to avoid exposing themselves to the virus and risking serious illness.

2. Difficulty in protecting themselves

Most people prepared for lockdown by going out and stocking up on the supplies they needed. But that’s something that may not have been as easy for disabled drivers and those with disabilities. It can be difficult for many disabled drivers and people with disabilities to get out in the middle of a pandemic and secure the supplies and medications they may need.

3. Threatening independence

Many disabled drivers are proud of the independence they’ve achieved in dealing with their disability. But still, many utilize support from others to help them maintain that independence, and that’s something that may have been disrupted by this outbreak.

4. Adding issues to long-term disabilities

The flexibility and accommodations those with disabilities need in the workplace can be disrupted by the pandemic – but on the bright side, it can also help workplaces to see just how well accommodations such as telecommuting can work.

Dr Handicap - sanitizer — *Image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash: How do disabled drivers cope with COVID-19? Many ways, including strict sanitizing measures.*

COVID-19 And Disabled Drivers

Navigating COVID-19 with a disability can be a challenge, but it’s still possible to retain your independence and live your life to the fullest in the midst of a pandemic.

Aside from washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask in public, you can protect your wellbeing and health by:

1. Take extra care to clean and sanitize

There are several steps disabled drivers can take to protect their health during this pandemic. You should regularly wash any mobility equipment you have such as crutches, wheelchairs, or walkers.

Also adjust how you go about some of your daily activities. For instance, if you have limited function of your hands, then avoid using your mouth to take off gloves as you may have in the past. If you have low vision, then you may need to touch more surfaces than other people; wear gloves to add an extra layer of protection.

2. Practice physical distancing

As well as practicing physical distancing in public places, it’s important to do so with outsiders in your own home. If you have caregivers that help with day-to-day tasks, try to limit your close interactions as much as possible. When you can’t practice physical distancing, wear a mask.

3. Think about communication

If you struggle with hearing issues, it can be difficult to understand what people are saying with a mask on. Carry a notepad and pen with you so you can have someone write down what they’re saying if you’re struggling to understand them from behind personal protective equipment such as masks and plexiglass. (Just be sure to sanitize the pen when they’re done using it!)

4. Plan ahead

You may need to have a plan for getting to the hospital if you get sick. If you think you’d be unable to drive yourself, then make sure you have someone to take you. If you do drive yourself, be sure you know where the nearest hospital is as well as where the disabled parking is available at the hospital to have one less thing to worry about if the situation occurs.

This pandemic has been difficult for many, but it adds another challenge for those with disabilities and disabled drivers. Try out the above tips so you can get back to living your life while being as safe as possible.

Featured image by Glen Carrie on Unsplash