Vehicles Archives

As a disabled driver, you know that the unexpected can and often does occur; tires blow out, you get delayed or stuck in heavy traffic, you encounter bad weather, or you have an accident. Driving involves inescapable risks. So, in order to stay safe and to avoid any unfortunate situations while traveling by car, disabled drivers need to have some essential items with them at all times. It is crucial that every time you get into your vehicle you have things that will keep you safe and help you to handle some potentially sticky situations.

So, what documents should a disabled driver carry while driving? What are good things for a disabled driver to keep in their car? What should you keep in your glove box at all times? Let’s answer these crucial questions now.

What Are Good Things To Keep In Your Car?

Some items are good to keep in your car at all times, such as first aid equipment and vehicle emergency repairs equipment. Other items are essential to have while you travel but are best not kept in your vehicle at all times.

Examples of items that you should not keep in your car when you are not using it are:

Driver’s license. Your driver’s license is best stored in your wallet, which you should keep on your person instead of in your vehicle at all times.
Disabled parking permit. This can be used in any vehicle in which the holder is traveling, so a lot of permit holders like to keep their permits on their person instead of in their vehicle.

disabled drivers in vehicle — *Image by Tobi on Pexels: What should you keep in your car at all times?*

What Documents Should A Driver Carry While Driving?

The documents that all disabled drivers should carry while driving are:

Disabled parking permit
Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Proof of insurance

What Should You Keep In Your Glove Box?

Your glove box is the perfect place to keep valuable and important items. The items that every disabled driver should keep in their glove box are:

Disabled parking placards (these should be stowed in the glove box while the car is moving)
COVID safety equipment such as face masks, hand sanitizer, napkins, and travel wipes
Medical information, including details of any medical conditions, medications and allergies for yourself and any people who regularly travel with you
Emergency contact numbers (in case your phone breaks or is inaccessible)
Proof of insurance
Pen and paper
Owner’s manual and maintenance schedule for your vehicle
Flashlight and batteries
High-energy snacks such as dried fruit and nuts

What Should Disabled Drivers Keep In Their Car At All Times?

Here are 20 items that disabled drivers should make sure they have before getting in their vehicle.

Disabled parking permit
Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Proof of insurance
Pen and paper
Owner’s manual and maintenance schedule for your vehicle
Flashlight and batteries
Any specific medications you use
First aid kit (bandages, antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream, anti-bacterial gel, pain reliever, allergy medication, antacids, eye wash, lip balm, tweezers)
Any mobility aids that you or your passengers require
High-energy snacks
Drinking water
Vehicle emergency repair kit (Spare tire, jack, tire gauge, tire inflator and sealer, lug key, vehicle manual, jumper cables, oil and funnel, water, screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, WD 40, flares, visibility jacket)
COVID safety kit (face masks, hand sanitizer, face shield, travel wipes)
Wheelchair ramps and transfer boards if you are in a wheelchair
Medical information
Emergency contact numbers
Sunglasses
Cash
Comfort kit (blankets, extra clothes, toilet paper, sunscreen, insect spray, contact lens holder solution, travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss)

woman in truck — *Image by* *pexels* on *Pixabay: What documents should a disabled driver carry while driving?*

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

The best way to get a disabled parking permit is to arrange a telemedicine consultation with a licensed doctor in your state through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

At the online clinic, you will have a video chat with a licensed doctor in your state who will verify your medical condition and then complete and sign a DMV disabled parking application form, which they will email to you immediately. It is an efficient and simple process.

Featured image by Hannah Sutherland on Unsplash

Wheelchairs help many people to remain independent – but a big part of that independence comes from accessing transportation that can accommodate your wheelchair. That’s why it’s so important for wheelchair users to find a vehicle that you not only like, but that’s accessible too.

The good news is that there are many cars on the market today that are accessible to those in wheelchairs. Here are some of the best cars for wheelchair users that you might want to consider.

The Benefits Of Each Car Type For Wheelchair Users

If you’ve already started your new car search, you know that there are many choices out there. With all of the things wheelchair users have to take into consideration, there are definitely benefits to each car type on the market today. Here’s a breakdown:

Minivans

These are a great all-around vehicle for wheelchair users since they have so much room. You can find them at a variety of price points, and they provide quick access and have high safety ratings. You can get a minivan with either a side or rear entry, too, which is a definite bonus for ease of use when out and about with your wheelchair. A minivan is one of the best cars for wheelchair transfers, too.

Full-size vans

Most full-size vans will come with a lift instead of a ramp. These systems can be a lot more expensive than other types of cars, but they have a lot of room, which some people need not only to accommodate their wheelchair but their family as well.

SUVs

This type of car is very popular since it is great for off-road driving and driving in inclement weather. An SUV can be more expensive than other options, but does tend to be much roomier than a minivan, with a lot of cargo space.

Cars

Cars are normally the most affordable option but offer the least amount of extra space. However, they’re low to the ground, which is good for transferring. They’re easy to handle, too, which makes them a great option for new drivers.

Trucks

Trucks are powerful and great for towing, but may not be the best option for wheelchair users since they’re high off the ground. The wheelchair, once stored in the back, can also be exposed to the elements.

Dr Handicap - disabled drivers — *Image by Why Kei on Unsplash: Wondering what cars can take a wheelchair? Let’s investigate.*

What is the best car for wheelchairs?

Let’s take a look at some specific models of the best wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the market right now.

Ford C-Max

This car has plenty of room for both passengers and drivers. It features high, wide doors to give wheelchair users plenty of space to transfer and a lot of room in the back for mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

The C-Max can also be adapted for wheelchair users by adding seat lifts, wheelchair hoists, pedals, and hand controls. Plus, it’s relatively affordable, which is always a bonus!

Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you like to have a little oomph in your engine, you can’t go wrong with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This small SUV can be fitted with power seats, tie-downs, running boards, and lifts for wheelchair users thanks to Chrysler’s Automobility Program. Conversions under this program qualify the owner for a reimbursement for up to $1,000, which is a nice bonus.

Subaru Forester

This small SUV is one of the most popular cars on the market, for both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. But for those in a wheelchair in particular, this SUV offers a lot of safety and comfort. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, and is one of the most dependable SUVs you can find year after year.

Every Subaru can undergo modifications from the factory to make it more accessible, such as foot or hand control and pedal extensions. The hatchback also makes it easy to store your wheelchair.

Hyundai Sonata

This is a simple but dependable car for wheelchair users. It’s a midsize car that is reliable and comes with a great warranty. It’s easy to access since it’s low to the ground, and comes with features such as a smart system so you’ll never have to ask for direction again.

Dr Handicap - Toyota — *Image by Dima Fedorov on Unsplash: What is the best car for wheelchairs? That comes down to your personal needs as a wheelchair user.*

Honda Odyssey

If you’re in the market for a minivan, the Odyssey is one of the most reliable you can find. It gets great fuel economy and is easy to handle. Even though it’s a minivan, the floors are low for ease of entry and it can be modified easily for wheelchair users.

Kia Soul

If you’re looking for a car that’s a little quirky, then the boxy Kia Soul fits the bill. It looks compact from the outside but is actually quite roomy on the inside, with high ceilings and low floors. It also has wide doors for easy entry and exit. Plus, the low price makes it affordable for almost anyone.

If you’re looking for a new car, this list should get you off to a good start to finding the best car for a wheelchair user!

Featured image by Marianne Bos on Unsplash

Things that many people take for granted, such as getting in and out of their cars, can be a challenging feat for disabled drivers. But some cars offer up a better way to enter or exit, giving disabled drivers access to a comfortable and safe driving experience. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the easiest cars to get in and out of for disabled drivers.

What is the easiest vehicle to get in and out of?

Choosing the easiest vehicle to get in and out of doesn’t necessarily come down to a specific brand or model. However, when it comes to accessibility, the SUV tends to reign supreme, according to internet polls. Sedans and other smaller vehicles can also provide great access when it comes to exiting and entering, but the SUV often make things a lot easier due to being higher off the ground. It gives disabled drivers the ability to step up into their vehicle as opposed to sitting down into it.

Dr Handicap - SUV — *Image by JD Weiher on Unsplash: What is the best car for disabled driver access?*

What is the most trouble-free car?

All drivers want a reliable vehicle, but choosing one can be a challenge for disabled drivers who have limited mobility and find it hard to get in and out of typically sized cars. As mentioned above, many people believe the best type of car for someone with a mobility disability is a SUV because of its position. But which SUV is the most dependable?

According to reports, three SUVs have the lowest number of complaints against them: the Subaru Forester, the Lexus RX, and the Toyota Rav 4. These vehicles make getting in and out of the car easy, all while providing peace of mind and a good driving experience.

Cars for disabled drivers

Even though the SUV is a great option for those with mobility issues, it’s not the only type of car that works for getting in and out easily. Some people may not want to drive an SUV, so it’s good to know what other options are out there.

The following list is a mix and match of various vehicles that can help disabled drivers find their way comfortably and safely onto the road.

Hyundai Sonata: This car provides plenty of room to get in and out with ease.
Volkswagen Passat: Since there is a lot of front and back room, getting out of the Passat is easier for disabled drivers.
Chrysler 300: This specific model is the optimal size for those who have trouble with mobility.
Toyota Camry: This mid-size car is roomy enough to get in and out of, but doesn’t break the bank.
Dodge Charger: The Charger is a full-size vehicle that provides ample room to get in and out with ease.
Infinity Q70: This mid-size luxury vehicle provides lots of leg and head room so that anyone with limited mobility can get in and out with no trouble at all.
Lexus RX: Another luxury vehicle, this time full-size, the Lexus RX offers a roomy and comfortable interior that makes car trips easy and worry-free.
Subaru Forester: This easily modifiable car is high enough off the ground that getting in and out is easy for those who have issues with bending and sitting in cars that are lower to the pavement.

Dr Handicap - driving — *Image by Jessica Furtney on Unsplash: What is the most trouble-free car?*

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Like the Forester, the Grand Cherokee is high off the ground and also comes with the ability to be modified to disabled drivers’ needs.
Chevrolet Silverado: For those who use a wheelchair, the Silverado comes with its own wheelchair lift and hinged doors for getting in and out easily.
Kia Soul: The Kia Soul has big doors and low floors that make entering and exiting a breeze for anyone.
MV-1: This car is one of the first to be built with accessibility in mind. It has its own power ramp and a spacious interior.
Honda Odyssey: The Odyssey provides drivers with a lot of head and leg room, low floors, and sizable doors that can slide for extra ease of entry and exit.

For those with disabilities, getting in and out of a vehicle doesn’t need to be stressful or uncomfortable. The best way to ensure a good driving experience is by choosing the right vehicle.

Featured image by Tabea Damm on Unsplash

20+ Items That Disabled Drivers Should Have Before Getting In Their Vehicle