Driving Specific Considerations – Amputation

Driving Specific Considerations – Amputation

Foot Steering Wheelchair Van Massachusetts

Amputation

  • is the removal of all or part of a limb
  • can be the result of trauma or illness
  • or limb deficiency may also be present at birth
  • is not progressive but 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 site of the amputation will determine if the person will need adaptive equipment to return to driving.
  • Adaptive driving equipment allow 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.

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

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

Loss of Both Arms
Loss of Three or Four Limbs
Loss of Both Legs