Maintain Your Vehicle
Staying safe on the road requires
a dependable and responsive vehicle
as well as an able driver. Regularly
check your vehicle’s tires, brakes,
steering, directional signals,
brake lights and windshield wipers,
or ask a professional mechanic to
do so. Do not wait for your annual
vehicle inspection to make sure your
vehicle is working properly.
Adaptive Devices For Your Vehicle
If necessary, the following
adaptive devices can help you gain
more visibility and control when driving:
- Seat and back cushions for improved visibility.
- Visor extenders to reduce glare.
- Pedal extenders for better control of gas
and brake pedals.
- Steering wheel covers, or steering devices,
to improve your grip and ability to turn.
- Corrective mirrors to help eliminate blind spots.
For more information about these devices and
their appropriate use, consult
an occupational therapist or a
driving rehabilitation specialist.You can also visit the following Web sites:
Choose A Safer Vehicle
When purchasing a vehicle, check the safety
ratings — crash tests, experience ratings
and rollover ratings — as well as safety
features that can help provide you more
control and comfort including:
- Access to vehicle controls, including gas and brake pedals.
- Airbags.*
- Antilock brake systems and stability tracking systems.
- Anti-skid control.
- Height-adjustable seats for good visibility.
You should be able to see at least 3
inches over the top of the steering wheel.
- Legible instrument panel.
- Large, glare-proof mirrors.
- Electric pedal extenders.
- Power steering, windows and door locks.
- Properly adjusted headrests,
located against the back of your head.
- Properly fitted restraints.
- Tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
- Turn signals on mirrors.
* When used in conjunction with safety
belts, air bags provide the best protection
available in a vehicle crash. However,
serious air bag injury can occur when
drivers are positioned too closely to
the steering wheel. Always buckle up and
sit at least 10 inches from the
steering wheel.
The USAA Educational Foundation publication Safe On The Road offers more information.
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Buying Your First Vehicle
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