Posted on August 25, 2008 in Latest News
Are you planning to buy a new car but not sure about comfortable driving with an arthritic joint? Joint stiffness and pain associated to arthritis makes driving a nightmare for arthritic patients. You can make your car driving safe and comfortable by selecting an arthritis friendly car. There are few arthritis friendly features you need to keep in mind before buying a car. Some of the important arthritis friendly features or modifications you need to keep in mind before buying car are listed below:
- Look for cars with adjustable steering wheel.
- It’s better to go for padded steering wheel.
- Make sure that seat of your car is totally adjustable. Seat should be such that you can easily adjust its height, tilt, lumbar support and distance from pedals.
- Make sure that you can easily access seat belts and the lock and release of seat belts are easy and comfortable.
- Ensure that car’s door handles are easy and comfortable to grasp and use.
- The car should provide you easy access to rear door and trunk.
- Ensure that you are at comfort zone while adjusting sun visors and mirrors.
- Make sure that your car is equipped with cruise control or autocruise or automated speed control system.
- Arthritis friendly car should be equipped with keyless entry, pushbutton ignition switch and mounted dashboard.
- In your arthritis friendly car look for short turning radius this will ensure easy maneuvering.
- In case you are planning to buy van or sport utility vehicle then make sure it has running board and assist handles.
- For arthritic patients’ bench type of seats are more comfortable as compared to bucket type of seat.
- It is better to prefer leather seats as it makes sliding out and in easy and comfortable.
- As per your comfort zone select the height of car seat. You can go for high seat hence reducing your need to bend or lower seats for comfortable slipping in and out of the car.
- According to your convenience you can ask for modifications like in case your right leg is not functioning properly then you can ask for left side brake pedal, accelerator and other controls.
- Other modifications which you can opt for are extended gearshift levers, special mirrors and reduced effort steering wheels.
- In case your arthritis is really worse then it is advisable to consult a driver rehabilitation specialist before buying a car. According to your condition the specialist can suggest you different types of modification for comfortable driving.
Lastly the most important point to remember is to discuss your driving experiences and difficulties with your physician or driver rehabilitation specialist. Few correct modifications and safety measures can make driving a comfortable and enjoyable experience for arthritis patients.
Source: The Challenge of Driving with Arthritis
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