Driving can be extremely difficult for the physically challenged persons. Africa has a fair share of handicapped people and with the whole continent fast becoming motorized, we will soon start seeing cars that have been modified to be used by people with different types of disabilities. In many places in Europe and America, wheel chair accessible cars have been in the market a long time and we hope that the same feat will be accomplished in Africa soon. Below are different types of cars meant for people with physical disabilities.
A hand controlled car – Notice how the pedals are controlled by rods
Image source:jalopnik.com
Hand controlled cars
The Most fascinating features you can be sure to use in a hand-controlled car include hand-controlled clutch, hand-operated brakes and hand-operated accelerators. It is interesting to note that some hand-controlled cars are fitted with an automatic clutch that enable automatic transmission. The manufacture of hand-controlled cars eases the driving experience of the target group of physically challenged persons.
Autopilot disabled cars
Manufacturers look at the various disability measures and provide solutions that fit the needs of the various disable car users. Depending on the varied needs of the targeted users, the manufacturer will fit particular features that offer targeted solutions. Considering that users may encounter varied driving difficulties, some cars provide remote controlled features on the steering wheel and the steering column. With this mechanism, it is easy to operate indicators and wipers by just pressing a button.
Handicap accessible cars
As the name suggests, handicap accessible cars are designed specifically for disabled persons who will encounter accessibility problems. For instance, some disabled drivers could have pedal accessibility problems with the normal seating. This means that their height is below normal. Handicap accessible cars come in handy for such situations. They are fitted with features that include extension rods to the pedals, controlled by a switch. Another feature is a one foot operated accelerator and/or brake pedal for persons with partial disabilities in either of the legs. These modifications provide solutions to such challenges.
Designed for a wheelchaired driver
Notice how the wheel chair will roll into place
Image source: zerosteering.com
Cars for disabled people/Modified cars
Under this category, cars ‘for disabled’ are usually the ones for normal use but modified specifically for use by the disabled persons. Cars ‘for disabled’ can be old or new, modified and exported to other parts of the world. However, there are specific regulations that govern the modification of these cars.
Besides manufacture, you can have your vehicle customized by fitting hand controls for easy driving . For instance, you can have your vehicle fitted with a city clutch, an electromechanical device that provides an automatic transmission to the clutch pedal with the aid of rods. Pressing the switch triggers smooth pressure exertion on the clutch pedals. This allows for disconnection of the manual drive. Whenever the driver opens the switch, it allows for smooth pull back of the clutch pedal to its original position.
