Different Safety Features On Mobility Vans

For individuals with disabilities, being able to get into a van comfortably and possibly even drive a vehicle on their own is a dream come true. Most individuals who have a disability welcome any opportunity to get back a piece of the freedom they lost when incurring their disability. Mobility vans are making that dream a reality for millions across the globe. One of the main concerns for individuals looking to buy one of these specially customized vans is safety. They want to make sure that the vehicle is safe to drive so that they can enjoy the freedom of travel without being concerned about their own safety or the safety of their passengers.

There are tons of excellent safety features on mobility vans. One of the biggest safety features included on one of these vans is the tie down straps. Many, many years ago, this particular feature was not nearly as safe and secure as it is today. Tie down straps are just what they sound like they are. They were straps that were installed on the inside of a wheelchair vehicle to keep the wheelchair from rolling around. This was a big concern, as a wheelchair that is free to move around could result in the disabled individual receiving a serious injury or causing an accident to occur. These straps were simply tied to the wheels of the wheelchair to keep them in place. Today, these are no longer straps in most vehicles, but automatic clamps that lock the wheelchair in place. These are much more reliable and sturdy, plus they take less time to fasten and unfasten.

Another critical piece of safety equipment on mobility vans are rails for lift technology. Mobility vans use either lifts or ramps for entering and exiting the vehicle. Lifts have a platform that the individual is wheeled up on. This platform is then used to lift the individual into the vehicle. These lift platforms are required by law to have a rail that secures the wheelchair from rolling off of the lift platform. This prevents serious accidents and possible deaths that could occur from a disabled person rolling off the platform and taking a hard fall.

It is important to make sure that the van or equipment you are looking to purchase is fitted with these safety features. Dealerships are required by law to abide by these standards. However, if you buy your vehicle from another individual, you do so at your own risk.

By: Bob Lundin

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