• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10

Seats in cars, vans and buses are designed for safety and comfort. Wheelchairs are mostly designed for mobility and function. Yet, some wheelchair users stay seated in their wheelchairs while traveling by motor vehicle. This may be because of convenience or independence, or it may be for other reasons. Since most wheelchairs are not designed for use as a seat in motor vehicles, what are the best practices? This article provides information on how wheelchair users can travel more safely.

Three things are needed to provide occupant protection in motor vehicles:
1. Use a wheelchair that has been crash-tested.

2. Always secure the wheelchair to the vehicle facing forward with a crash-tested securement system – using either a 4-strap tiedown system or a wheelchair docking system.

3. Always use a crash-tested lap and shoulder belt.

What are crash-tested wheelchairs?
Crash-tested wheelchairs have passed a voluntary safety standard called: ANSI/RESNA WC19 – Wheelchairs Used as Seats in Motor Vehicles. They have several important features:

• Lower risk of injury to the wheelchair rider in a vehicle crash
• Easier and faster wheelchair securement: They have four securement points where tiedowns are attached that are labeled, easy to find, easy to reach, and provide clear paths for tiedowns
• They provide improved wheelchair stability and safety during normal travel
• They have been tested and rated for how easy they are to use seatbelts with
• They have the option of a wheelchair-anchored pelvic safety belt

How do I find a crash-tested wheelchair?

• Look for the words: WC19-compliant, WC19 wheelchair, transit-option wheelchair.
• Find a list of crash-tested wheelchair models at: http://www.rercwts.org/wc19.html, Phone: 412-586-6905,
  Mail: RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety, 2310 Jane Street, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA  15203.

What is a crash-tested wheelchair securement system?
Always use a securement system that has been crash tested and labeled as meeting SAE J2249. There are two types of wheelchair securement systems:

• 4-point strap securement system - This is the most common type of securement system used on public buses and paratransit vans. It is also used in some personal cars and vans. It has four straps that are used to attach the wheelchair to the motor vehicle.
• Docking-type securement system - This kind of securement system is usually only used in personal vehicles. It has one part that is permanently attached to the wheelchair, and a second part that is permanently attached to the vehicle.

Why do I need an extra lap belt and shoulder belt?

• Your wheelchair may have a lap belt on it that LOOKS like a safety belt. You may even have a chest strap or chest harness – but be careful!!
• These are not usually crash-tested seatbelts – and they are not made to protect you in a crash!
• Always use a crash-tested seatbelt system that includes a lap and shoulder belt

How do I get a crash-tested securement and seatbelt system?

• For buses and paratransit vans, these systems are best installed by the vehicle maker.
• For personal vans, find a National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association member (NMEDA) who has successfully completed the NMEDA accreditation program. Contact NMEDA directly: Web: http://www.nmeda.org/, Phone: 800-833-0427, Mail: NMEDA, 3327 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL  33618