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Last updated: October 9, 2024

Tips for Car Travel with Physical Disabilities

Accessible travel for disabled individuals.

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Cars are symbols of independence for many people, including folks with disabilities. According to the U.S. Board of Transportation, at least 9 percent of Americans ages 5 and older have travel-limiting conditions. Travel is absolutely possible and beneficial for many physically disabled Americans, but can sometimes come with unique challenges.

If you have a physical disability, you may have found car trips to be frustrating or overly complicated. With some experimentation, you can still find ways to make travel more bearable. Car trips can be fun and freeing — with the appropriate planning and processes for your body.

This guide to car travel with physical disabilities explains the basics of car travel if you or a travel companion have a physical disability such as arthritis, back pain, paralysis, limited mobility, weight issues, spastic cerebral palsy, or circulation disorders. With an accessible vehicle, mobility devices, and planning, you can travel easier in recreational vehicles even if you have physical disabilities.

Tip #1: Choose Your Vehicle Carefully

When purchasing or renting a car, consider the vehicle that feels the most comfortable for you, and has the trunk or seat space you may need for any equipment or supplies. Many cars also come with safety features such as cruise control, emergency braking systems, blindspot warning, and driver assistance. Though these vehicles tend to be newer models and can be more costly, they can improve a driver’s sense of comfort and safety, making them well worth the price tag. As needed, look for vehicles with features such as higher seats, extra legroom, and a good hands-free system.

Tip #2: Start With Shorter Trips

Start With Shorter Trips

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Embark on day and weekend trips at first to prepare for longer drives.1 You’ll find out about potential travel issues with fewer downsides than if you jumped right into a huge trip. Of course, you can still plan a big journey; just experiment with a few shorter trips before embarking on the big one, whether you are a passenger or a driver.

Tip #3: Adjust Your Seat Position

Before you take off, sit in different car seats to see if a certain spot is especially comfortable or uncomfortable for you. You might find out how long you can sit comfortably in the front seat, or how long you can sit without being in pain.

Many folks, particularly those with nausea and vestibular disabilities, prefer the front seat since it is roomier and more adjustable. Looking directly at the horizon can help ease feelings of nausea. Plus, in an accident, you may be more likely to slam forward when sitting in the back.

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Get an accessibility license plate or placard if you do not already have one. That’ll make it much easier to park close to your destination.

Tip #4: Modify Your Car

If altering your seat position doesn’t bring the relief you hoped for, other adjustments can be made to your car to make for a more comfortable ride. If you are experiencing physical discomfort when driving, experiment with modifying the following:

  • Braking
  • Hand Control
  • Signaling
  • Steering

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Some features of your car can be adjusted manually, while others may require assistance from a mechanic. Don’t attempt vehicle modifications that are not set to be manually altered. Instead, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic or dealership.

To find out more, consult a rehab specialist or explore websites such as BraunAbility. Among other things, BraunAbility can lead you to nearby dealers who can help.2 The company also has a program called Click&Drive that helps you work with a local dealer and mobility professional on vehicle accessibility and customization. Financing options include trade-ins and rebates.

Tip #5: Troubleshoot Common Travel Issues

  1. Learn to drive with your physical disability. Though there are typically no additional legal driving requirements for people with disabilities, if you developed a physical disability after learning to drive, you might need to adjust the way you operate your vehicle. A driver rehab specialist can help. Find an instructor near you on the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists website.3
  2. Don’t forget to take your medications. Set prescription timer caps or phone reminders and try to keep similar schedules for meals, rest, and other parts of your routine.
  3. Practice defensive driving. Don’t worry about driving slower than others — it’s not worth putting your health at risk to please others who may be driving faster than you or above the legal speed limit. Only travel with companions who understand your needs, whether they are a family member or a friend. Breaking up your group into multiple vehicles can also address these concerns.
  4. Don’t rush. Schedule plenty of time for breaks and recovery, both during the trip and after. Ensure that sleeping conditions for each night are as comfortable as possible. If you need to, plan to stay in a hotel for a few more hours, or a whole day instead of driving for long stretches.
  5. Manage pain during and after travel. Use accessories such as neck or seat cushions. Your doctor may have specific solutions based on your conditions.
  6. Prepare for a medical emergency. Wear a medical ID bracelet, keep a printed list of medical information and medications handy, and create a similar list on your phone.
  7. Know what you’ll do if your caregiver experiences fatigue. Plan ahead for several people to help your caregiver, or bring a professional caregiver/home health aide on the trip.
  8. Avoid damage to wheelchairs and walkers. Secure your gear, whether it’s in the trunk or the cabin of the car. It’s easy for wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment to jolt forward during a sudden stop and either hurt you, get damaged, or both.

NOTE

Some people with physical disabilities travel in vehicles customized for their accessibility. These cars may have hand controls, swivel seats, ramps, or occupant restraints. In other words, your current vehicle could possibly be adapted to be more accessible for you, or you could purchase a new vehicle and start from scratch with accessibility.

  1. Wear comfortable clothes or shoes. 
      • Undergarments: Wear socks, underwear, and bras you already feel comfortable in. Car trips are not the time to experiment with new pairs of shoes or socks. Even socks that are a little too tight can end up causing agony on travels.4
      • Bottoms: Sweatpants, yoga pants, or long skirts may keep you comfortable for hours while sitting in the car. They’re also easy to pack and space-friendly for your suitcase. Conversely, jeans or tight shorts can often feel restrictive, and gobble up more luggage space.
      • Tops: Sweaters  can be bulky or uncomfortable, making moving around harder. If the weather is cold, long-sleeved shirts and blankets may better fit the bill.
      • Shoes: Bring at least two pairs, or more if you have the space.
  2. Consider luggage space. Luggage space matters, and it’s important to make space for essential items that will make your trip easier or more comfortable. Aim to pack one pair of pants for each day you travel, in case of spills or other mishaps. If you’re on the road for more than a week, find somewhere to do laundry every week.

Tip #6: Plan the Route and Schedule

Advance preparation can help make for smoother trips. For instance, route planning could help identify frequently congested areas that might prove stressful, as well as good spots for rests or meals.

  1. Build extra time into your itinerary. Don’t push 12-hour travel days when eight hours is better for your health.
  2. Map the route to minimize stressors. Suppose traffic jams cause you stress, which then worsens your symptoms. You could plan a route that avoids major highways, even if the trip takes longer. The extra time is worth your health and peace of mind.
  3. Plan breaks around interesting sites or good picnic spots. Find multiple break spots ahead of time in case your first choice is closed.
  4. Travel when the weather is good, if possible. Driving in low-visibility, icy conditions, or heavy rain is stressful for anyone. As needed, pull over and take a break if weather conditions worsen on your journey.
  5. Scout wheelchair-accessible bathrooms ahead of time. State-run rest areas, as well as big chain stores like Starbucks, will typically have ADA-compliant facilities. Use a mobile app such as Flush to find accessible public restrooms along your route.5
  6. Consider taking stops about every two hours. This can help improve your comfort levels and circulation when driving, and will help you stay rested and alert.
  7. Consider bringing a travel companion. Travel companions can assist in navigation, and be a great source of moral support and company for those who find driving stressful. They can also help drivers to avoid the dangers of distracted driving by assisting with anything done on a phone, like locating restaurants, re-routing, or changing music.

Tip #7: Bring Plenty of Supplies

Start With Shorter Trips

About two weeks before your trip, note the supplies you use every day and how much of each you use. Consider bringing extra of your essential supplies. Common trip supplies include:

  • Spare parts or backup equipment, such as a wheelchair or a toolkit to make wheelchair repairs
  • Meal ingredients, plates, utensils, and drinkware, if you prefer to make your own food
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Toiletry bag for prescriptions and prescription timer caps
  • Neck pillow or other doctor-recommended or prescribed gear
  • Jacket with lots of compartments and storage space
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Heated seat covers, if your car doesn’t have them
  • Pain relief patches
  • Shower chair (for hotels or lodging)
  • Entertainment (Kindle, tablet for streaming movies, music)
  • Compression socks
  • Foldable cane with seat attached
  • Medical wristband/ID
  • Backup phone battery chargers
  • Headlamps, flashlights, and other lighting options
  • Towels
  • Blankets
  • Portable bidet, bedside commode, travel urinal
  • Rain jackets, umbrellas, sunglasses, and sun protection
  • Anti-chafe balm
  • Extra changes of clothes
  • Daypack or small backpack

Tip #8: Make Safety a Priority

Car travel, especially for solo travelers with disabilities, can pose certain safety risks. Mechanical breakdowns in unsafe places like busy highways are a possibility, and additionally, studies have shown that people with disabilities can be at greater risk of being victims of violent crimes.6 It’s good to be prepared if your vehicle breaks down or if you feel unsafe at a rest stop.

The below can help you stay safe on the road:

  1. Share your location with trusted contacts on your smartphone so they know where you are during your trip. Inform friends and family of your end destination and route before leaving.
  2. Regularly maintain your vehicle—be sure to follow your vehicle’s recommended service schedule, and to check fluids such as oil and fuel before embarking on a longer journey.
  3. Trust your gut if you’re in a situation that makes you uncomfortable.
  4. Look into self-defense classes. Your community or local hospitals may offer some, either for people with your disability or adaptable classes. Organizations such as the Adaptive Martial Arts Association,7 Move United,8 and the Shepherd Center offer self-defense instruction.9 You could also consider legal protection items you’re comfortable using, such as pepper spray, which is generally legal throughout the United States for those over 18, or Kubatons (self-defense keychain weapons).
  5. In addition to your personal supplies, be sure your car is equipped with jumper cables, a spare tire, a first aid kit, and road flares or reflective triangles. Consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy, or signing up for a AAA membership.

Tip #9: Car Travel With Service Animals

Service or emotional support animals are necessary for many car trips. As always, start with taking them on smaller travels and work your way up from there (particularly if the animals are not used to vehicles). Keep your animals secured in the vehicle, and pack their food, water bowl, treats, grooming supplies, and their bed or crate.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), car rental agencies are not allowed to charge pet deposit fees when you rent a car for travel with an official service animal. If the animal causes damage to the vehicle, though, the company can charge you. In contrast, rental agencies are allowed to charge deposit fees for emotional support animals, which do not count as official service animals according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are trained to complete specific tasks or duties, and emotional support animals are not.10

Tip # 10: Choose an Auto Insurance Plan that Brings you Peace of Mind

When shopping around for the best auto insurance, remember that no two plans are completely the same, and that every customer has unique insurance needs. Consider what kind of coverage is most important to you, and what will bring you the most peace of mind when traveling. That could be excellent customer service, 24 hour roadside assistance should anything go awry on your trip, or naming another driver on your policy who can assist you on your trip should you need a break from driving.

Talk with a medical provider, friend/family member, or insurance agent about the kind of insurance that will best suit your needs as a driver with a disability, to help you feel the most protected and confident while out on the road.

Conclusion

Traveling with a physical disability is doable in many situations, especially with patience, flexibility, and persistence. It may be that a trip of one or two days is all you can realistically manage, and that is perfectly fine. The quality, not the quantity, of your car trips is what really matters.

Citations

  1. Curb Free with Cory Lee. (2018, July 30). Travel Tips: What You Need to Know for Driving or Flying with an Ostomy.
    https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/2018/07/30/flying-with-an-ostomy/

  2. Find BraunAbility Handicap Vans Dealers Near You. BraunAbility. (2022).
    https://www.braunability.com/us/en/handicap-mobility-van-dealer-locator.html

  3. Search for an ADED Member. ADED. (2022).
    https://www.aded.net/search/custom.asp?id=1984

  4. The Ultimate Wheelchair Travel Packing List. Her Packing List. (2016, April 18).
    https://herpackinglist.com/ultimate-wheelchair-travel-packing-list/

  5. Flush Toiler Finder. jr. (2022).
    https://www.jrustonapps.com/apps/flush-toilet-finder

  6. Victims with Disabilities. (n.d.). Office for Victims of Crime.
    https://ovc.ojp.gov/topics/victims-with-disabilities

  7. Adaptive Martial Arts Association. (2022).
    https://adaptivemartialarts.org/

  8. Martial Arts. Move United. (2022).
    https://moveunitedsport.org/sport/martial-arts/

  9. Self-Defense Class Helps Wheelchair Users Prevent Attacks and Defend Themselves. Shepherd Center. (2016, March 25).
    https://news.shepherd.org/self-defense-class-helps-wheelchair-users-prevent-attacks-and-defend-themselves/

  10. Service Dogs, Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs: What’s the Difference? American Kennel Club. (2021, February 24).
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-working-therapy-emotional-support-dogs/