Travel and Arthritis.
Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005
Car travelTips for car travel Car travel allows you more freedom than any other form of transportation.
You can design your own schedule and plan convenient rest stops.
You'll have more room to stretch out or to bring along special devices.
Auto clubs can design maps for you which chart the smoothest, shortest
or most scenic route, depending on your interests. Information about
each state's policy regarding "disabled placards" is available by
contacting the state's department of transportation.
Stop often to get out and move around to prevent stiffness. You can
also do range-of-motion exercises in the car and at rest stops. Make
hotel/motel reservations in advance or stop early in the evening to
find a motel or campsite. Don't wait until you are overtired or until
the motels are full. Most rest areas and fast food restaurants are
wheelchair accessible.
Car rental
When renting a car, request those features that would make driving more comfortable for you, such as:
- Power steering, brakes, windows, and seats
- Tilted steering wheel
- Passive restraint seat belts
- Cruise control
- Four-door car with light-weight doors
- Lift-up door handles
- Easily reached and managed ignition controls
- Side-view mirrors on both the driver and passenger side
- Hand controls if necessary.
Rental car reservations for special features should be made 4-6
weeks in advance. Get written confirmation of reservations and
guaranteed features. Before driving the car, make sure it has the
features you requested and is in excellent working order.
Rental vans modified for disabled drivers and passengers are
available in some cities. These vans are equipped with wheelchair
lifts, tie-downs, raised roofs, and raised door openings.
More tips
Keep the following items in the car:
- All medications (if left in the trunk, they may spoil from the heat).
- Snacks and beverages (especially if you need to eat when taking your medications).
- Hand-held lighted magnifying glass for reading detailed maps.
- Emergency
kit (including tire pump, jumper cable, jug of water for radiator
leaks, flashlight, emergency flares, change for phone calls)
- First
aid kit (including bandages and tape, bandaids, bee sting ointment,
mosquito repellent and salve, burn/sunburn cream, tweezers, alcohol
pads, chemically activated ice packs, antiseptic cream).
- Consider installing a CB radio to obtain current traffic or weather conditions, or to secure help in an emergency.
Joint protection devices for a more comfortable ride include:
- Special inflatable horseshoe pillow for head and neck support.
- Cervical collar for neck pain.
- Cushioned seat belt to minimize shoulder discomfort.
- Back cushion to provide additional back support.
- Sheepskin
steering wheel cover to protect hand joints by allowing a looser grip
and also protecting hands from a hot or cold steering wheel.
- Wide-angled side and rear-view mirrors.
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