Auto Dealers Near Santa Ana Give Advice on Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

1. June 20, 2017 Auto Dealers Near Santa Ana Give Advice on Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle A wheelchair accessible vehicle or WAV is a car that has features that enable easy access for a wheelchair user. Typically, the car is equipped with ramps or lifts so that the user can stay in their chair for the duration of the drive. When finding the right WAV for you and your family, there are a few extra things to consider that might be different compared to when you are looking for a regular car. Page | 1

2. Safety As with many other things, safety should come first. The safest place in a car for a wheelchair is at the center of the vehicle or the rear. There are a few guidelines set by the government that need to be followed when transporting an individual using wheelchair. The main purpose of this guideline is to protect the individual should a crash or collision happen. First and foremost, you should not transport someone using wheelchairs in a reclining position. Seat belts is mandatory, as well as headrests to protect the head and neck area from whiplash. Wheelchair modification is prohibited, as well as lap trays. Entry After deciding where the wheelchair would be placed in the car, it is time to think about which entrance you should take. You can take either the side or rear entrance, depending on the type of equipment you will be transporting with the wheelchair. A side entry is ideal if the disabled person has decent mobility as they can maneuver themselves into a comfortable seating position. If mobility is limited, the rear entry is more ideal. It provides a wide access and more room, especially if you need to transport a ventilator or feeding tube at the same time. Ramps There are two main types of ramps you can have installed in your vehicle: in-floor or fold-out. As you might have guessed, the in-floor ramp is stored under the vehicle. It is a great option if you don’t want the ramp to be visible and obstructing the walkway. Meanwhile, fold-out ramps is the classic form of ramps. It lays on the car floor and so in the event of an emergency, a wheelchair user can push it out themselves to deploy the ramp. Other Driving Considerations Your daily travels is another thing to think about when choosing the right WAVs. Where will you be driving it to? You need to check if there is any height restriction for the area you plan on visiting. You may also want to check if there is any disabled parking available. Disabled parking Page | 2

3. areas tend to be wider than regular parking spots to accommodate for the ramp and wheelchair. When looking for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, it is realistic to choose larger vehicles for the job. Toyota Sienna, for example, is a large-sized vehicle some of which have factory-installed Auto Access Seat feature to help a person with disability maneuver into the car. To better understand your options, discuss your needs and dilemmas with a trusted auto dealer. About Toyota of Orange Toyota of Orange has been catering to our customers’ automotive needs since 1971. We are the leading auto dealer near Santa Ana and Orange County areas. Our mission is to leave our customers happy with efficient and friendly auto service. We provide an extensive selection of auto parts as well as new and certified used cars. Sources: Choosing a WAV: Where do I Start?, Motability.co.uk Finding and Choosing a WAV, DisabilityRightsUK.blogspot.co.id Page | 3