Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury and Closed Head Injury commonly occur due to motor vehicle collisions. Injuries can range from a loss of consciousness of less than five minutes to being comatose for many months. Any level of injury can cause an increase in pre-injury bad driving behaviors or create new, unsafe driving issues. These issues can stem from problems with vision, accuracy and speed of eye movements, speed of response, attention, memory, problem solving, judgment and/or loss of physical skills. It can spare one skill and wipe another skill completely from memory. It commonly makes learning new information difficult and may keep a survivor from quickly learning from their mistakes. All of the above can result in unsafe driving encounters, unpredictable driving actions or repeat collisions for the survivor.

If someone you know has been in an accident or has had a TBI, look for the following warning signs:

• Inappropriate driving speeds
• Is slow to identify and avoid potentially hazardous situations
• Needs help or instruction from passengers
• Doesn't observe signs or signals or speed limits
• Leaves out important road, traffic or warning information
• Slow or poor decisions to traffic or road changes
• Easily frustrated or confused
• Pattern of getting lost, even in familiar areas
• Collisions or near misses
• Blames their driving mistakes on the behavior of other drivers

If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs and need a driving evaluation, give us a call at 508-697-6006 and we can, help you with with knowledge about medical conditions, and help with a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive.

• Visual Perception
• Functional Ability
• Reaction Time
• Behind-the-wheel evaluation

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED ARTICLES

• Mobility Wheelchair Van Questions
 
• Mobility Van Answers
 
• Used Handicapped Vehicles
• Wheel Chair Vans for Sale

 

Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations  

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA   

508-697-6006

Amputee Aids

We will do our best to provide motor vehicle mobility solutions and resources for people who have experienced the loss of a limb and those involved in their lives. We are a supplier and installer of handicap and amputee driving devices.

Driving after Amputation: Automotive Mobility Equipment for Amputees driving after amputation is possible with the right equipment and vehicle modifications.

After a limb has been amputated, for any reason, a person is typically not able to drive an automobile the same way they did before. However, there are several adaptive devices that can enable an amputee to continue driving and maintain his or her independence. The site of amputation(s) will determine exactly what type of vehicle an amputee is able to drive, and what other types of adaptive mobility equipment will be necessary. Here is a general overview of the various amputations and what equipment might be necessary with each one:

Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA has installed the following amputee driving equipment for close to 25 years:

RIGHT LEG

• Amputee Left foot gas pedal
• 
Hand Controls

• Automatic Transmission

• Power Braking

BOTH LEGS

• Hand Controls for brake and accelerator 

• Amputee Spinner Knob

• Automatic Transmission

• Emergency Brake Extension

• Chest Strap

EITHER ARM

• Automatic Transmission

• Amputee Steering Device
• 
Reduced Effort Steering
• 
Zero Effort Steering

• Zero Effort Brake

• Modified Gear Shifter
• 
Electric Gear Shifter

• Electric Parking Brake

• Modified Secondary Controls (turn signals, dimmers)

Not every vehicle can be modified appropriately, but if the amputee is g a permanent wheelchair user a lowered floor minivan or mobility van may be their only option. That is why it is necessary to first be evaluated by a driver rehab specialist and then follow up with a certified mobility specialist to look at all of your adaptive equipment options as recommended by your driving evaluator.

Automotive Innovations sells and installs all of the above equipment. 
Set up an appointment to meet with a mobility specialist today and let us help you regain your independence after amputation.

Amputation is the removal of all or part of a limb and can be the result of trauma, illness or limb deficiency. It may also be present at birth, if it is not progressive the advancement of disease can lead to additional amputation(s).

Potential Deficit Areas:

• Loss of function at or above the amputation site
• Decreased range of motion and/or strength of the residual limb
• Decreased sensation at the amputation site
• Hypersensitivity at the amputation site
• Phantom Pain

Impact on Driving/Transportation

A modified vehicle, wheelchair lift or transfer seat may be needed for a person who now requires a scooter or wheelchair for mobility or has difficulty transferring into an unmodified vehicle.

The size of the amputation will determine if the person will need adaptive equipment to return to driving.

Adaptive driving equipment allows the person to compensate for an impaired ability to reach primary and secondary driving controls.

Prior to driving with adaptive equipment, the person will need a driving evaluation. (www.aded.net)

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs:

• Left Arm Loss
• Automatic transmission
• Power steering
• Steering device
• Directional cross over
• Electric turn signal
• Foot parking brake release modification
• Left Leg Loss
• Automatic transmission
• Parking brake extension
• Chest strap
• Right Arm Loss
• Automatic transmission
• Power steering
• Steering device
• Electronic ignition
• Crossover and/or gear shift extension
• Wiper control modification
• Console parking brake modification
• Secondary/dash modification
• Key extension
• Electric ignition
• Right Leg Loss
• Automatic transmission
• Left foot accelerator
• Hand controls
• Pedal block
• Chest strap

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs:

• Loss of Both Arms
• Steering device
• Reduced effort steering
• High-Tech steering
• Electric ignition
• Electric gear selector
• Electronic secondary controls
• Modification to door opener
• Foot steering
• Loss of Three or Four Limbs
• Reduced or zero effort steering

 

Complex, High-Tech driving controls for gas, brake, steering and secondary controls requires a detailed evaluation from a Driver Rehabilitation Specialists who works with this type of equipment.

This will require multiple fittings with a certified technician at a qualified mobility equipment dealership to achieve custom applications.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED ARTICLES

Amputee Driver  Amputee Driving Aids  Amputee Mobility   

Mobility Mechanic  Used Handicapped Vehicles    Wheel Chair Vans for Sale

 

Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations 

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA  

508-697-6006

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Injury

After a spinal cord injury has occurred, a person is no longer able to drive an automobile in the normal manner. However, there are several types of adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications that can allow an individual with a spinal cord injury to drive. Depending on the level of injury and functional ability, either a sedan or van may be an appropriate vehicle choice.

The following are considerations for selecting a vehicle:

Driving a sedan:  When considering the use of a sedan, the individual must be able to do the following:

• Lock and Unlock the door
• Open and close the door
• Transfer to and from the wheelchair
• Store and retrieve the wheelchair (either independently or with a wheelchair loading device)
• Since characteristics and dimensions of vehicles vary, it is important that the individual performs these functions in the vehicle being considered prior to purchase. A driver rehabilitation specialist can provide recommendations for sedan selection.

Driving a van:  If an individual is unable to drive a sedan, there are several options available for driving a van. Specialized modifications can allow a person to transfer to the driver seat or to drive from the wheelchair.

There are several levels of driving control technology to compensate for the loss of strength and/or range of motion. Some of these include:

• Reduced effort steering systems to compensate for reduced strength
• Servo brake and accelerator control to compensate for reduced range of motion and strength.
• Servo driving systems, allowing one hand operation of brake, accelerator and steering.
• Adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications for wheelchair access are available for some full-size and mini vans; however, all vans are not suitable for modifications. We can assist in making the correct van choice and can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine a persons ability to drive.

If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs and need a driving evaluation, give us a call at 508-697-6006 and we can, help you with with knowledge about medical conditions, and help with a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive.

• Visual Perception
• Functional Ability
• Reaction Time
• Behind-the-wheel evaluation

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED ARTICLES

• Mobility Wheelchair Van Questions
 
• Mobility Van Answers
 
• Used Handicapped Vehicles
• Wheel Chair Vans for Sale

 

Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations  

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA   

508-697-6006

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida is a congenital defect in which part of one or more vertebrae (the bone structure that surrounds the spinal column), fail, to develop completely, leaving part of the spinal cord exposed. It can occur anywhere on the spine but is most common in the lower back. The severity of the condition depends on how much nerve tissue is exposed. Frequently special adaptations on a vehicle are necessary for independent driving. The person with spina bifida may also have impairments in the ~areas of vision, perception (how the brain interprets what the eyes see) or learning. Adaptive driving equipment is frequently used for physical problems. A spinner knob and hand controls can be used if a person is unable to use either foot for gas or brake. Specialized modifications can also allow a person to transfer to the driver's seat or drive from the wheelchair in a van or minivan. 


Common factors that can affect safe driving:

• Limited range of motion and strength
• Difficulty with coordinated movements
• Visual impairments (poor acuity)
• Trouble visually scanning or tracking quickly
• Learning difficulties
• Impaired judgment in complex situations
• Slow processing and reaction time

A driver rehabilitation evaluation will examine the strengths and weaknesses of each individual as related to the driving task. The goal is independent, safe driving. No modifications or vehicle selection should be made until the person has completed a driver evaluation.


If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs and need a driving evaluation, give us a call at 508-697-6006 and we can, help you with with knowledge about medical conditions, and help with a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive.

• Visual Perception
• Functional Ability
• Reaction Time
• Behind-the-wheel evaluation

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 
RELATED ARTICLES

• Mobility Wheelchair Van Questions
 
• Mobility Van Answers
 
• Used Handicapped Vehicles
• Wheel Chair Vans for Sale

 

Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations  

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA   

508-697-6006

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis can affect individuals in varying ways including tingling, numbness, slurred speech, blurred or double vision, muscle weakness, poor coordination, unusual fatigue, muscle cramps, bowel and bladder problems and paralysis. Due to these symptoms, special equipment or accommodations may need to be made to aid a person in safely maintaining their mobility independence for as long as possible.

Physical Considerations: The following are considerations for selecting a vehicle: 

Driving a sedan: The Individual must be able to do the following:

• Open and close the Door

• Transfer in and out of the vehicle

• A wheelchair/scooter must be able to be stored and retrieved. Special equipment is available to aid with storage.

Driving a Van: Options may include a mini-van with a lowered floor and a ramp or a full size van with a lift. Specialized modifications allow a person to transfer to the driver's seat or drive from a wheelchair. Technology may be able to compensate for the loss of strength or range of motion such as:

• Reduced effort steering and/or brake systems to compensate for reduced strength.

• Mechanical hand controls allow for operation of the gas and brake using upper extremities.

• Servo brake/ accelerator systems compensate for reduced strength/range of motion of arms.

If spasticity is difficult to manage, it may lead to an inability to drive. 

Visual Changes:  

• May be severe enough that driving is precluded or night driving is prohibited. 

• If double vision is intermittent and can be monitored independently, then driving may be limited to avoid driving during an exacerbation.

• Sunglasses may help with glare sensitivity.

• Compensate for loss of peripheral vision with special mirrors and head turning.

• Learn order of traffic signals to aid with color vision impairment.

Cognitive Issues:

• Need to regulate emotions and avoid driving when upset, angry or overly emotional.

• May be limited to familiar routes if some loss of memory or problem solving but still enough judgment to drive.

Decreased Energy:

• Energy conservation is vital.

• May require assistance with wheelchair loading to save energy for driving.

• Air conditioning aids with managing warm climates.

Medications:

• Seek the physician's input regarding side effects which may impair driving.

• Monitor when medications are taken. Don't drive when sleepy or just before or after medicating

If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs and need a driving evaluation, give us a call at 508-697-6006 and we can, help you with with knowledge about medical conditions, and help with a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive.

• Visual Perception
• Functional Ability
• Reaction Time
• Behind-the-wheel evaluation

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED ARTICLES

• Mobility Wheelchair Van Questions
 
• Mobility Van Answers
 
• Used Handicapped Vehicles
• Wheel Chair Vans for Sale

 

Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations  

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA   

508-697-6006