Modified Cars get the Disabled Behind the Wheel Again
It is quite remarkable the way vehicle modification specialists can alter a car’s operating system to enable some of the physically handicapped to return to our highways. The general rule is that people should be able to use both arms to drive a modified vehicle. Of course, there are people who have full use of one arm and only limited use of the other, who are also capable of driving. Mr Bill Hall-Jones, 61, a Glenashley, Durban, resident who has been modifying cars for the physically handicapped for 47 years, said: "Cars can be modified in many ways. They can even be altered so that they can be controlled by just one hand. Many changes can be made to suit each individual’s needs. " The majority of people seek the two-in-one (brake an accelerator pedals) or the three-in-one (clutch, brake and accelerator pedals) modification so that their cars can be hand-controlled. "The modification works well only when you custom build the sturdy hand controls for different vehicle makes. It is not a case of one size fitting all."
Mr Hall-Jones said he could assemble and fit the hand controls in a car in two days. And the total cost: R1 750 for the two-in-one and between R3 500 and R4 000 for the three-in-one largely metal units. It must be noted that the modification does not remove the pedal operations. Other people can still drive the vehicle the usual way – this is – operating the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals with their feet.
Related Topic"We don't want new members - buckle up"
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MORE and more people who have lost the use of one or both their legs are
driving again. And even people who are burdened with the added problem of
having only limited use of their arms are joining the hand-driven car
brigade.
According to Mr Hall-Jones, it takes about three days to get used to
using the hand controls. "It is not difficult. It’s just a matter of
building confidence. If you are strong-willed, you can do a lot in
life."
