Motoring with arthritis (view report contents)
Further information
tips
Here is advice from drivers with arthritis:
- Try out a car and any adaptations on one of your worst days, not when you’re feeling well
- Make sure the seat is comfortable and provides good support – adjust it and the steering wheel to suit you. Cushioning, electrically adjustable seats and heated seats all help
- Get advice from an independent Mobility Centre
- On trips take plenty of breaks to avoid getting stiff
- Make sure any painkillers you use when driving do
not cause drowsiness.
Learning to drive
Mobility Centres and Mobilise
kcan help you to find a driving instructor who specialises in teaching
disabled drivers. They use cars with adapted controls or will teach you
in your own vehicle.
Blue badge SCheme
Allows disabled people to park in restricted areas, but do read and
follow the conditions of use carefully. Details from the Department for
Transport Mobility and Inclusion Unit: 020 7944 2914 or see the DirectGov
website www.direct.gov.uk
and see under Disabled People: Motoring and Transport.
Hiring a car
There are a few adapted cars for hire. Contact one of the Mobility Centres for firms that supply them.
Service call
For £9.95 (inc p&p) you can buy an infrared ServiceCall Transmitter
to call for service at thousands of participating outlets, such as garages,
banks and shops. More information from www.service-call.net
or call 0800 458 3008.
EASIFUEL
A small plastic gadget that holds open the trigger on petrol pumps - useful if you have limited dexterity (£2.99; call 020 8302 8858 to try before you buy).
Report Contents
About
this guide
Driving
with arthirits
Choosing
a car
Plan
of action
Products
and techniques
Finance
Further
information
Helpful
organisations
