There's no question that wheelchair conversion vans have helped provide mobility to people who are dependent on a wheelchair to get around. Having mobility provides independence, along with a better quality of life for those who require a handicap van to get to doctor appointments, go shopping as well as travel to many other destinations.
If you are helping transport a disabled individual, you'll want to have the knowledge you need to perform the job safely and efficiently. Before getting into specifics about safely transporting disabled individuals, make sure you follow all of the "rules of the road" for your specific vehicle. That includes keeping the vehicle in top mechanical condition, and keeping the tires properly inflated with enough tread for good traction.
Driver Safety
Keeping the vehicle mechanically sound is smart, but keeping the driver safe is equally important. Drivers should know their way around the wheelchair van, and have experience driving it. That includes using the mirrors for backing up and being familiar with how the van's weight shifts on turns.
Drivers should monitor how much time they spend behind the wheel, and should never exceed more than 10 hours in one day. Extra precautions should be taken when the weather impacts road conditions, and drivers should never drive while tired or after consuming alcohol.
Van Safety
Having a quality handicap accessible van that not only meets federal government standards but also exceeds them will help to ensure passenger safety. Make sure the wheelchair van conversion manufacturer you choose meets or exceeds U.S. and Canada vehicle safety standards. They should not only test their vehicles to exceed vehicle crash test safety standards, but also exceed fuel leakage standards as well. This is critically important, as people with disabilities may take longer to evacuate a van.
Van safety also includes interior systems that help to stabilize wheelchairs during transport. They include rigid positioning devices, vehicle tie-down systems and ensuring that no loose objects are in the van that could harm a passenger in the event of a collision.
Passenger Safety
Keeping passengers safe during transport is the main goal of everyone involved in transporting adults and children with disabilities. Whether it's a van conversion the family owns, or para-transit provided by a third-party or a volunteer transportation program, the goals are the same: keep the passengers safe.
When transporting adult passengers, try to place the wheelchair in the handicap van so it is rear facing. This is the safest way to transport a wheelchair passenger. Be aware, though, that a front-facing position is almost as safe as the rear facing position if the appropriate tie-down system is in place. Most passengers prefer a front-facing position. Never place a wheelchair passenger in a side facing position, as it presents a great danger if there was a collision.
Children with disabilities require additional safety precautions when riding in a handicap van. As with adults, all medical equipment must be secured on either the vehicle's floor or under the wheelchair. If the child needs any type of electrical equipment when traveling, be sure there's a power source available - one that is designed to last twice as long as the planned time they'll be in the vehicle.
Also, it's beneficial to try and position the child's wheelchair as close as possible to family or friends who are riding in the vehicle. Doing this not only adds the ability to watch them as they travel, but it provides the child with a sense of comfort and security.
When proper safety guidelines are followed, and the handicap van meets or exceeds federal safety standards, transporting disabled passengers can be a pleasant, safe experience for everyone involved.
