Road tripping is one of the greatest American traditions when summer comes, and no one should be exempt from enjoying such a staple. When road tripping with a mobility vehicle, it simply comes down to preparing for eventualities and ensuring that the only things left to chance are the wonderful memories you’re about to make.
Particularly when using your own mobility vehicle – which is always recommended, as it will save you some significant money – you’ll see that road tripping is actually one of the easiest ways for wheelchair users to travel safely and freely. So, choose your destination and get ready to put these tips to use!
Pick Your Route Carefully
We all know road trips are all about the journey, so when the time comes to plan your route, make sure to consider all aspects, such as the roads on which you wish to travel. Do you prefer faster highways or a slower, more scenic back road? Also, consider the amount of time you have available to vacation, while also taking into consideration how much you need or wish to stop along the way.
Be sure to locate all the necessary accessible spots on the route, such as hotels, restaurants and gas stations. The Barrier-Free Travel website is a useful resource to make this happen.
Check Your Vehicle
Ensuring your car is in good condition before road tripping with a mobility vehicle is a must, as you want to avoid any unpleasant emergency situations along the road. A few weeks before your trip, schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic. Let them know about your plans and ensure that they do the basic maintenance procedures and check-ups, such as changing the oil and checking tire pressure. You want to feel confident that everything is working correctly and that your vehicle is good to go for your road trip.
Also, don’t forget to look closely at the functioning of components, such as your mobility vehicle’s lift or ramp, as well as wheelchair restraints and other modifications. Everything should be in top working order before you take off.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
Just as with any trip, you want to be sure you’ve packed all your meds and needed equipment for the road. Also, bring along a spare tire and emergency repair tools in case the unexpected happens.
When road tripping with a mobility vehicle, it’s also important to enlist easily accessible roadside assistance, including a tow service that can pick both you and your vehicle up if anything goes wrong. The ADA Nationwide Roadside Assistance is a great resource to count on.
Before you go road tripping with a mobility vehicle, take the time to follow these tips. If you do, you won’t spend your whole vacation worrying about your vehicle, your safety, or anything else. Instead, you can just relax, enjoy, and have a great time.
Leave A Reply