Guidelines for the use of wheelchair postural support devices during travel in motor vehicles

Abstract

Questions are often raised about whether the use of postural support devices while seated in a wheelchair during travel in a motor vehicle can have potential benefits or result in harm. The benefits or harm are generally unknown as current crash-test dummies are not designed to evaluate postural supports, and there are little to no injury data for these devices in the motor-vehicle environment. Despite these limitations, guidelines and best practices can be developed for use of postural support devices during travel in a motor vehicle using basic principles of occupant protection and knowledge about injury biomechanics. This document presents guidelines and recommendations for postural support devices used on wheelchairs that also serve as seats in motor vehicles. It addresses the basic principles of safe transportation for wheelchair-seated occupants and provides guidelines and recommendations for use of specific devices during transportation.