NHTSA Unveils New Brochure To Help Those with Disabilities Seeking Use of Adapted Vehicles

NHTSA Unveils New Brochure To Help Those with Disabilities Seeking Use of Adapted Vehicles

NHTSA Unveils New Brochure To Help Those with Disabilities Seeking Use of Adapted Vehicles

NHTSA
February 4, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 04-00
Friday, February 4, 2000
Contact: NHTSA, Elly Martin, (202) 366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today unveiled its first-ever consumer brochure to help persons with disabilities in the market for an adapted vehicle to take advantage of new technology to increase their mobility.

"President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to removing barriers for people with disabilities so they can take advantage of the great bounty of opportunities in America," Secretary Slater said. "This new brochure is an important step in helping persons with disabilities to gain greater freedom to get where they need to go."

More than 35,000 copies of the 13-page full-color booklet, known as "Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities," will be distributed free of charge in the booklet's first printing. The brochure has also been posted on NHTSA's web site, www.nhtsa. dot.gov/.

"This new brochure will help more Americans with disabilities navigate the often confusing process of acquiring and using adapted vehicles safely," said Acting NHTSA Administrator Rosalyn G. Millman.

The booklet, first released today at the ninth annual conference of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association(NMEDA), provides a step-by-step process to help consumers evaluate their needs, select the right vehicle and choose a qualified dealer to modify the vehicle. It also assists those who need training to use and maintain an adapted vehicle. In addition, general information is included on cost savings, licensing requirements and organizations to contact for help. While the brochure focuses on drivers of modified vehicles, each section also contains suggestions for those who transport passengers with disabilities.

There are more than 380,000 vehicles on the road today that have been specially adapted with new technology to afford greater mobility to persons with disabilities. Such equipment includes mechanical and powered hand controls (for gas and brakes), joystick steering, wheelchair lifts and low-effort braking systems.

Copies of the booklet will be distributed free of charge through NHTSA's partnerships with such key organizations as NMEDA, the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, the Department of Veterans Affairs and AAA. In addition, automakers will make the brochure available to their customers.

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