-
Sit In The Front Next To The Driver In Your WAV
When thinking about a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (often referred to as a WAV or mobility vehicle) you need to ensure that it is going to meet your individual lifestyle, physical and mental requirements. There are many Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles on the market where you can choose to sit in the back, in the front as a passenger, or drive. The option of sitting in the front next to the driver is becoming an increasingly popular choice, especially for couples, families (where the child/children sit in the back) or for assistive requirements, i.e., communication.
-
The Benefits Of Travelling Upfront In A Wheelchair
Sitting in the front next to the driver enables the wheelchair user to remain in their wheelchair and sit close to their family, partner, or carer in the front of the vehicle. It enables easy access to the in-car controls such as the radio, air conditioning and windows. It provides a much better view and allows the wheelchair user to take in the scenery and enjoy the journey.
-
Travelling upfront in your WAV could make a big difference to your car journeys.
-
Sitting in the front of your mobility vehicle is a more sociable way to travel.
-
A More Sociable Way To Travel
Sitting in the front is a more sociable way to travel, people feel included in conversations and less isolated as sitting close to the driver enables you communicate more easily. It would also be beneficial for people who struggle with hearing or are not able to speak loudly. It may also reduce travel anxieties enabling you to travel further which may have a positive effect on your confidence and wellbeing.
-
Avoid Strenuous Transfer Into The Vehicle
One of the main benefits of being an upfront passenger is that the wheelchair user can sit upfront without having to transfer. It can often be a struggle to transfer to and from a car seat, which can use up lots of valuable time and energy. Avoiding a transfer can also reduce risk of injury to the carer/driver if they usually provide physical support.
-
Benefits To Carers
If you are a carer or personal assistant, the option of the wheelchair user sitting upfront has many benefits, for example if the passenger has a condition that requires closer monitoring, or a condition that requires verbal prompts or reassurance throughout a journey.
-
Reduce Travel Sickness
A disadvantage of sitting in the back of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is that you may struggle with travel sickness. This can be made worse by the poor vision out of the back windows. It may also feel like a bumpier ride in the back. If you are feeling unwell, it is much easier to communicate with the driver if you are side by side.
-
Consider The Future
When considering your next Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, try to ensure it is going to meet your individual requirements now and, in the future. Do consider all physical and mental health conditions and if you think your needs may change, i.e., your ability to transfer, the number of people travelling in the vehicle, and any needs of your carer.
If you want the option to drive your WAV from your wheelchair and travel upfront as a passenger, find out more about combined Drive From WAVs
Joanne Weaver is an Occupational Therapist who works with Sirus Automotive – the UK’s largest provider of upfront passenger and drive from wheelchair vehicles.
-
Cookie Settings
We use cookies to support your experience on our website, including to personalise content. Cookie Policy
-
Essential Cookies
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. Our website cannot function properly without these cookies, and they can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences (please note if disabled our website may not work or show correctly on your device).
-
- On
- Off
Personalisation
We use personalisation cookies to understand how you engage with our website across all your devices, this includes recording your browsing habits and activity. This information is used for profiling purposes and to help identify you, so that we can show personalised content.
-
- On
- Off
Marketing
We use third party cookies on our site to serve you with advertisements that we believe are relevant to you and your interests. You may see these advertisements on our site and on other sites that you visit on any of your devices where you've accepted marketing cookies. Please note that if you disable these, you will still see adverts but they won't be specifically tailored to you and your interests.