Driving Specific Considerations – Amputation
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
- 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 detailed evaluation from a Driver Rehabilitation specialists who works with this type of equipment
Loss of Both Legs
- Hand controls
- Steering device
- Pedal block
- Chest strap