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Having arthritis is usually debilitating just getting around.  Sitting, standing, walking, and movement at all can be stressful and painful.  Driving may be even more so.

According to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy "many drivers with arthritis report that symptoms affect their ability to perform even the most basic driving maneuvers, such as steering, checking blind spots, reversing and responding to sudden changes".

Having arthritis does not necessarily preclude the sufferer from driving.  In fact, manufacturers now have arthritis-friendly features or adaptations may be made to vehicles. Johns Hopkins Health Alert recommends when looking for a new or used vehicle, arthritic-suffering drivers should consider:

• Automatic transmission

• Remote key and starter

• Running boards and assist handles on sport utility vehicles and vans

• Adjustable steering wheel (up and down and telescoping)

• Fully adjustable seats (height, distance from pedals, tilt and lumbar support)

• Adjustable pedals

• Padded steering wheel

• Easy-to-grasp controls within easy reach

• Dashboard-mounted and push-button ignition switch

• Seat belts that are easy to reach, lock and release

• Cruise control

• Easy-to-use door handles

• Easy-to-adjust mirrors and sun visors

• Easy-to-access trunk or rear door

• Shorter turning radius for ease in maneuvering

The Arthritis Foundation reports that arthritis strikes 50 million adults (1 in 5) in the U.S. The foundation believes that by 2030 an estimated 67 million Americans will have arthritis. It is the nation's leading cause of disability with two-thirds of arthritic people being under the age of 65.

If drivers with arthritis are not purchasing a new or used vehicle, here are some tips from Joint Essential.com for making trips less painful and more enjoyable in spite of the vehicle:

• Hand controls are controls which allow braking by pushing controls forward and  accelerating by pulling controls back. This is recommended for people who are facing difficulties in using foot pedals.
• Steering controls are used for people who have limited grip or strength in their hands. A spinner knob presses firmly into the palm of the hand, providing a steady grip and steering with one hand. Using hand and wrist splints can help with the grip on the steering wheel too.
• Extension controls provide the driver extra length while  driving. Pedal extension are used for people who have difficulty reaching the brake or gas pedal. The signal extension is a rod which can be extended on the right side of the steering wheel and can be adjusted to the driver’s needs. Key extensions are used to help people who have arthritis in their hands. The key extension helps with the turning motion of the key in starting the car.
• Foot controls are used for people who may have a prosthetic limb and need to use the left foot to operate the vehicle. Left foot gas pedals are used for drivers who need to use their left foot for the gas pedal. The pedal is attached on the accelerator on the left side of the brake with a guard placed over the original accelerator.
• Other than making modifications to vehicles, simple, and yet effective, car assistive equipment can be used. Fastening the seat belt is the most basic and important aspect in driving. For those people who are having difficulties, consider getting a safety belt extension handle which makes the job much easier. Otherwise, if getting in and out of the car is painful a handy bar can solve the problem."

Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., says, "Arthritic suffers need to not only be comfortable, but safe, when driving. Having the right vehicle and/or vehicle adaptations, should help prevent vehicle crashes."  

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.