Transportation
Purchasing a Vehicle
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Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s important to know what you need and why. Families should also look at how they plan to acquire a vehicle. Options include purchasing, leasing and renting.
One of the most common errors people make when exploring vehicle purchase is not being realistic about the short-term versus long-term needs. A person with brain injury may initially be in a wheel chair but be working toward walking. Or be a passenger but have the potential to drive a modified vehicle. If changes are still occurring, it may make more sense to lease a vehicle for a year or two then evaluate the person’s status before investing in an expensive vehicle. Costly mistakes can be avoided by working with a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS). The CDRS can perform a driver or passenger evaluation and assist in identifying options that are most appropriate for the situation.
Also, think about life style. Will you be traveling? Are you interested in being off of paved roads? Will someone other than the person with brain injury be driving? Know how you intend to use your vehicle. This will affect the vehicle type and design.
Once the decision to purchase is made:
1. Find a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. The specialist will evaluate the physical challenges of the person and make recommendations for an appropriate vehicle and modifications.
2. Find a vendor who is a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealer’s Association (NMEDA, www.nmeda.org). Where geographically available, utilize a NMEDA member who participates in the quality assurance program (QAP). QAP vendors offer vehicles built following specific procedures and are independently inspected for compliance. The CDRS may also be able to assist with referrals. The driving specialist will likely know someone he or she has confidence working with that will help assure the vehicle is modified according to the specifications.
3. Ask vendor if he is a member of the Adaptive Driving Alliance (ADA). For a list of members by area check www.adamobility.com. ADA members offer 24-hour emergency assistance as well as a network of repair facilities nationwide. ADA dealers honor all other ADA member warranties nationwide. ADA member facilities are required to be accessible.
a. A list of questions to ask a potential vendor may be found at www.Icanonline.net by looking under automotive/ equipment dealers/Choose a qualified dealer.
b. Contact the Better Business Bureau to confirm the dealer is reputable.
4. Before buying a used vehicle, people should take the same precautions as they would buying any car.
a. Have a mechanic check out the vehicle. Services such as “Car Checkers” come to your location, or that of the seller. They provide a written report of condition. Fees for inspection usually are in the $90.00-$120.00 range. If this service is unavailable locally, take the vehicle to an ASE certified mechanic. See www.ase.com.
b. Run a history report on the car to reveal any accidents or problems. Websites such as www.carfax.com offer this service.
c. Make sure the vehicle has a clean and valid title. Be certain that the title is not a salvage title and that you are aware of ownership history. Some states allow clean titles for salvaged vehicles after a state inspection. Ask the seller about the history and where they got the vehicle.
5. Before buying a custom vehicle, check around for vendors who may stock vans with basic modifications. These vehicles may require only minor adaptation and will usually be less expensive than custom vans. It may be worthwhile to go online and check availability in other states, especially if you live in an underserved area.
6. If the consumer buys a custom van for modification, the vendor usually requires full payment for the van and a 50% deposit for the modifications. Balance is paid on successful completion.
7. Have the driving specialist check out the vehicle once modifications are made to confirm all the specifications have been followed to your satisfaction.
Resources
View Handicapped Driver Services web site at www.hdsvans.com. View Accessibility Services Plazas web site at www.accessibilityservicesplaza.com.
The following web sites also may prove helpful.
Unoccupied Wheelchair and Scooter Lifts
www.bruno.com
www.harmar.com
www.freedom-lift.com
Occupied Wheelchair and Scooter Lifts
www.braunlift.com
www.ricon.com
Lowered Floor Minivans
www.braunlift.com
www.imsvans.com
www.vantageminivans.com
www.viewpointmobility.com
Michael Dresdner is President of Handicapped Driver Services, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. Michael recently developed “Accessibility Services Plaza” in Marietta, Georgia a one stop rehab shopping facility. Handicapped Driver Services has provided vehicles, modifications and evaluation services to the disabled community for over 25 years. He is a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealer’s Association (NMEDA), past NMEDA board member. Michael is also the ADED board, vendor representative for 2002-3.