Steering
If you have difficulty holding or turning a steering wheel or use only one hand you can fit a special grip - a spinner. You need to be able to stretch your arm and bend your elbow and wrist to use a spinner. Because it is fixed to the steering wheel, it may be difficult to shift position when driving. You can get round this by fitting two spinners. Spinners are used with power assisted steering - manual steering may be too heavy to turn with one hand.
Look for:
- comfort. If gripping is painful, look for softer materials
- shapes which do not obstruct your view of the dashboard
- fittings that do not catch on clothes when turning
Safety
do not use a grip which would stop your hand being pushed away if the airbag inflated.
Types of spinner
Spinners come in several shapes to suit different types of grip. Most cost between £30-£110 depending on shape and design.
There is a wide range of spinners designed to suit drivers' needs - whether you have full use of your hand and fingers, need to keep your hand horizontal or vertical, or need extra support at the back of your hand. These are from Alfred Bekker Controls.
Some of these spinners can be held by people with an artificial limb; there are other special designs too. Mobility Centres and adaptation firms will advise.
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Some spinners have a quick release so that the knob can be easily removed without tools if someone else needs to drive.
This glove has a sleeve which fits a spinner 'peg' on the steering wheel.
Spinners are often combined with secondary controls so that you can work them without letting go of the spinner. This one gives finger tip control for indicators, lights and windscreen washers.
next page: Other ways of steering