Driving as an Amputee: Everything You Need to Know
**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver.
Driving as an amputee is one of the most freeing experiences out there. Going out on the open road, or even visiting your local grocery store, is made that much more convenient when you have your own ride.
With some specialized equipment and a few installations, you can be mobile and on the go at any time you like. Keep reading for more information.
Vehicle modification for seamless driving
You need to make several key modifications to become agile on the road. You may also have to comply with your local regulations and work with a specialized firm that can assist you with the correct modifications.
Control console: Modifications can be made to allow for complete control through your hand-operated console. While driving an automatic vehicle, you can control the entire vehicle directly with your hands. The control console is designed to give you a seamless driving experience and can be installed on most vehicles.
Accelerator and brake rigs: For amputees who prefer separate controls for acceleration and braking, there are rigs available in the marketplace that can be installed onto the vehicle. There are hand-operated rigs as well as custom foot pedals that can be bolted onto the vehicle as well. You can visit your local Toyota dealership and ask a custom shop to retrofit it with specialized controls.
Amputation-specific placement: Owners of vehicles can also have custom placement of certain controls, while enjoying a traditional driving experience. Individuals with both partial and full amputation can drive their vehicles seamlessly by placing key control options closer to accessible areas.
Four-way joystick: Modern vehicles can be fitted with a four-way joystick configuration that allows you to drive your vehicle using only your hands. The joystick allows for users to control the vehicle’s steering, braking, and acceleration using their hands. It works out perfectly for both comfortable long drives and when steering through heavy traffic.
Specialized attachments for maximum comfort
Custom apparel choices can be selected to accompany you when you’re driving. Amputees can also opt for the right prosthesis or gel-based solutions to make their drive more enjoyable. A quality set of Silipos body discs can provide added comfort while driving through busy lanes. Wearers become more adaptable to their surroundings without requiring extra assistance.
Many car owners also wear a suspension sleeve to maximize their comfort while driving. It relieves the pressure built up during long drives, and it provides a more natural feeling when you’re focused on the road.
Many specialized prosthetic legs and arms can be designed specifically for driving. They can be attached before driving and stored safely within the vehicle as well. The prosthetics allow the wearer to drive any vehicle at any time, after learning how best to drive with them.
Individuals with bilateral above-knee prosthetics can pick up the keys and drive any vehicles they choose. The assistance required is minimal, and prosthetics help you become more mobile without extra equipment or installations.
Getting used to longer drives
A major goal while driving is to get used to longer drives. This is when specialized equipment can be coupled with key driving behaviors to strengthen your muscle memory. The more the individual drives, the more natural the driving experience becomes.
Driving will eventually feel like second nature and allow you to become increasingly independent. You can extend your area of movement through the use of a perfectly fitted vehicle. Customization is the key to driving as an amputee, which is why you should experiment with different setup types.