Car Safety Archives

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

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

How do I become a super-safe driver? This is a question that all disabled drivers should be asking themselves. Driving is convenient and often enjoyable – but it can also be dangerous if not done properly and sensibly.

On the road, every driver faces an ever-present risk of accident, injury and even death. Driving safely and arming yourself with the skills to keep yourself and your passengers safe is extremely important.

So, what does a safe driver do whenever they’re on the road? What skills do safe drivers have? And how can you be a smart and safe driver every time you get behind the wheel? Today, we’ll be talking about some key things that safe drivers do.

1. Safe Drivers Don’t Rely On Other Road Users To Drive Safely

Safe drivers take full responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. They don’t rely on other road users to behave responsibly at all times, because unfortunately, this often isn’t the case.

Other drivers may do dangerous and irresponsible things on the road from time to time, so it’s always essential that you keep a safe distance from other cars and pedestrians, stay alert to your surroundings, and expect the unexpected.

2. Safe Drivers Avoid Distraction

Distracted driving is often lethal. Many people get into accidents every year on US roads as a result of their own or another road user’s distracted driving. Safe drivers never allow themselves to be distracted while driving.

To avoid distraction, never use your phone while driving, avoid loud audio, and make sure passengers are calm and sensibly behaved.

person driving on snowy road — *Image by Jaromír Kavan on Unsplash: What skills do safe drivers have?*

3. Safe Drivers Become Experts At Defensive Driving

Safe drivers always drive defensively and are always improving their driving skills. Defensive driving means:

Always having safety as a first priority
Being very aware of your surroundings
Never relying on good driving from other road users
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front
Driving at a safe speed
Avoiding distractions

4. Safe Drivers Never Drive When Drowsy

Drowsy driving leads to thousands of deaths on the road every year. Safe drivers know that when they feel drowsy, it’s essential to take a break, have a nap, and/or refresh themselves with some cool air or a cup of coffee.

5. Safe Drivers Never Drive Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible thing to do. Safe drivers only drive when they are sober. If you’re planning to drink when you go out, be sure to have another method of transport arranged so you won’t be tempted to get behind the wheel.

6. Safe Drivers Drive Safe, Well-Maintained Vehicles

Safe drivers always make sure that their vehicle is well-maintained, fully serviced, and in perfect working order. Safe drivers also use the appropriate vehicle modifications they need if they have a disability.

7. Safe Drivers Keep Suitable Emergency Equipment In Their Vehicle

Safe drivers always have the following essential safety equipment in their vehicle:

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

person driving vehicle — *Image by* *JacksonDavid* on *Pixabay: How do I become a super-safe driver?*

8. Safe Drivers Know What Weather Conditions To Expect

Driving in adverse weather conditions can be risky. Safe drivers always know what weather to expect on their journey and how to deal with whatever Mother Nature throws at them.

9. Safe Drivers Always Have Their Disabled Parking Permit

Safe drivers who are disabled always make sure to have their disabled parking permit with them. You can only use disabled parking if you have your permit and display it clearly, hanging from the rearview mirror.

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

To get a disabled parking permit, you should submit an application form to your local disabled parking authorities. This will usually be your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The first step is to have a video consultation with a physician or other medical professional licensed in your state. This can be arranged through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once you have completed your consultation and your suitability for disabled parking has been verified, the physician will email you a certified copy of your state’s disabled parking application form. You will then complete the form and submit it, along with any necessary payment and proof of ID, to your local disabled parking authorities.

Whether you submit your application to your local DMV office or to the tax collector’s office will depend on which state you are applying in. You can submit your application either in person or by mail, and in a growing number of states, you can submit your application online.

Featured image by Art Markiv on Unsplash

It’s crucial that disabled drivers know how to stay safe on the roads all year round. This means being aware of the particular threats that come when driving in each season. Each of the four seasons has its own unique conditions that can make driving hazardous and potentially lead to accidents.

Driving always entails risk. No matter what season it is, other road users will sometimes fail to drive responsibly, and weather conditions will be treacherous on occasion. To do your part and stay safe on the road, its vital to practice safe, defensive driving. But while driving responsibly is always the right thing to do, it is also necessary to take special precautions at different times of the year.

Read on for some seasonal safety tips to protect handicap drivers year-round.

Safety Tips To Protect Handicap Drivers

There are safety tips for disabled drivers that apply specifically to different seasons. Summer roads can be busier than usual and bright sunlight can be distracting or debilitating. In fall, wet leaves can make roads slippery and treacherous. Winter ice and snow can turn highways into ice rinks. Spring rains can seriously impair visibility.

With each season throwing up such unique challenges, it’s vital that disabled drivers follow season-specific safety tips. Today, we will outline some of the dangers of driving at different times throughout the year, and give some specific travel safety tips for each season. But first, let’s outline some general road safety tips that apply all year round.

autumn leaf on window — *Image by* *MabelAmber* on Pixabay: Seasonal safety tips can protect handicap drivers whatever the conditions.

Drive The Safest Vehicle You Can Afford

Always purchase the best quality vehicle you can afford and keep it regularly serviced, well maintained, and in good working order. Check your vehicle’s lights, tires, mirrors, brakes, and windshield regularly.

As a rule of thumb, the larger the vehicle, the safer it is. You have a far better chance of surviving an accident in a larger vehicle than you do in smaller vehicles. Also, newer models have better safety features.

Have Appropriate Vehicle Adaptations For Your Disability

Disabled drivers often need to use vehicle adaptations such as hand controls and pedal extenders. Stay safe by making sure you have the appropriate vehicle adaptations for your disability.

Keep Informed About Weather And Traffic Conditions On Your Route

Always know what to expect on any journey. This means checking the weather forecast and scoping out what traffic conditions are likely to be so you can prepare.

Practice Defensive Driving

Safe, 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.

Stay Alert And Never Drive When Sleepy

Drowsy driving is a major cause of road accidents. If you’re feeling tired or drowsy, always pull over and take a break. Have a coffee, take a nap, get some air and stretch your legs – do whatever is necessary to wake yourself up and ensure you’re alert before getting back on the road.

Keep Suitable Emergency Equipment In Your Vehicle

Always keep the following safety equipment in your vehicle:

Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench.
Tool kit.
Jumper cables.
Flashlight and batteries.
Reflective triangles and a reflective vest.
First aid kit.
Drinking water.
Back-up medication
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.

Never Drink And Drive

Even one drink impairs your ability to drive safely, so drinking even what you deem to be a safe amount of alcohol before you drive is not worth the risk.

Dangers Of Summer Driving

The main dangers of summer driving are heat and bright sunlight. Heat can cause vehicle breakdowns, and sunlight can reduce visibility.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Prepare your vehicle for hot summer weather in the following ways:

Check tire pressure.
Check your vehicle’s coolant system, radiator, and pressure cap.
Check hoses and belts for signs of blisters, cracks, and wear.
Check fuel, water, and coolant levels and look for leaks.

Always bring proper hydration to avoid dehydration, and wear sunglasses to make sure you are not blinded by bright sunlight.

Dangers Of Fall Driving

So, what are the main hazards of autumn driving? The main hazards of fall driving are leaves. Fallen leaves make roads slippery and can hide objects and potholes.

Fall Travel Safety Tips

Stay safe in fall by making sure your vehicle’s tire pressure is correct and that tire treads are not worn down. Practice safe, defensive driving, make sure your windscreen wipers are working well, and never park over dried leaves, as this can be a fire hazard.

Dangers Of Winter Driving

Ice, snow, and rain are the major dangers of winter driving.

Winter Travel Safety Tips

Stay safe in winter by driving slowly, maintaining extra distance between yourself and other vehicles, making sure your vehicle has the correct tires for slippery surfaces, and always packing warm clothes, blankets, and food in your vehicle.

Dangers Of Spring Driving

Spring weather conditions can be very changeable. Rain and high winds can be followed by sleet and even snow, and then bright sunshine.

Spring Travel Safety Tips

What are some safety tips for driving in spring? In this season you should be very cognizant of quickly changing weather conditions. Rain and wind can make controlling your vehicle more difficult, so always stay alert, practice safe, defensive driving, and avoid distractions while driving in spring.

Featured image by Jantine Doornbos on Unsplash

The coronavirus pandemic has made it necessary for some disabled people to wear a mask while driving. Wearing a mask is optional, and generally safe if you follow correct safety guidelines. Today, we will outline our top safety tips for people who need to drive with a mask.

Is It Safe To Drive With A Mask On?

Driving with a mask on is necessary for some people – sometimes for health reasons and sometimes for professional reasons. Driving with a mask is safe if you’re sensible and follow reasonable safety guidelines.

Is It Necessary To Wear A Mask While Driving?

It is not always necessary to wear a mask while driving. However, some people need to or choose to. People who drive for work are often required to wear a mask. Some people choose to wear a mask if they are driving very elderly or vulnerable passengers in their vehicle.

person about to put mask on in car — *Image by Erik Mclean on Pexels: Is it safe to drive with a mask on?*

Is It Legal To Wear A Mask While Driving?

Yes, it is legal to wear a mask while driving, provided it does not hamper the person’s view and ability to drive safely.

What Circumstances Might Mean A Disabled Driver Would Need To Wear A Mask?

The most common circumstances that make it necessary for a disabled driver to wear a mask are:

They are required to wear a mask for their occupation, e.g. taxi drivers and delivery drivers
They want to stay COVID-safe
They have elderly or vulnerable passengers who they want to protect

What Are The Potential Dangers Of Wearing A Mask While Driving?

Some of the potential dangers of wearing a mask while driving include:

Getting distracted
Impaired vision
Passing out
Overheating
Not being able to communicate clearly with law enforcement

Should You Wear A Mask In A Car With Others?

There are no hard and fast rules about whether you should wear a mask in a car with others. Cars are small and confined spaces, so some people choose to wear a mask in a car to prevent the passing of germs between people.

Driving Safely While Wearing A Mask

Here are eight safety tips if you need to drive with a mask.

1. Make Sure The Mask Is Not A Distraction

Distracted driving is dangerous. Make sure the mask you are wearing is comfortable and is not a distraction while you are driving.

2. Choose A Well-Fitting Mask

Masks come in different shapes and sizes. Stay safe while driving by choosing a good-quality mask that fits you well and won’t slip off or become uncomfortable.

3. Be Sure The Mask Does Not Impair Your Vision

No matter how well-fitting, masks can move about on the face. Make sure your mask does not impair your vision in any way, i.e. by riding up above your line of sight.

4. Don’t Allow Glasses To Fog Up

People who wear glasses may get fogged up while wearing a mask, but this can be dangerous when you’re driving. Make sure your glasses are fitted securely over your mask to avoid fogging up.

5. Pull Over If You Are Feeling Faint

Some people report feeling faint when they wear a mask for too long. If you feel faint or groggy while driving, always pull over to rest or get some fresh air.

woman wearing mask while in car — *Image by Uriel Mont on Pexels: Should you wear a mask in a car with others?*

6. Don’t Allow Yourself To Overheat

Masks can be warm and stifling. If you are too warm, you could get tired or even pass out. If you feel yourself overheating, pull over somewhere safe to get some air and cool down.

7. Remove Mask If Talking To Police

Masks can make communication difficult. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, remove your mask if needed to make communication easier.

8. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

Whenever you’re driving, with a mask on or without, you must practice safe, defensive driving. Defensive driving can be the difference between life and death. It involves:

Always having safety as your top priority
Being aware of your surroundings and vigilant
Not relying on other road users to drive safely
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front
Driving at a safe and sensible speed
Avoiding any type of distractions.

How Can You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

You can apply for a disabled parking permit by visiting the Dr. Handicap online clinic and arranging a video consultation with a licensed physician. Once the physician has verified your disability, they will complete the relevant sections of a disabled permit application form, which you can then submit to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Norma Mortenson on Pexels

10 Driving Tips That All Disabled Drivers Should Know