These days, technological modifications have made it possible for amputees to drive with the aid of prosthesis. Amputated individuals who wish to fulfill their driving desires can make use of prostheses to replace their lost arms, lost bones, hearts, arteries, etc.
Prosthetic devices are artificial parts to replace or substitute for missing parts in the body. Driving with a prosthetic right foot for disabled individuals can serve as a primary control for driving, which normally depends on the length of the limb.
Typically, a well-rehabilitated person with a right foot amputation can make use of a prosthesis to learn how to drive safely. Furthermore, it’s required to take a driving test and get endorsed by a license to start driving with a prosthetic.
Prosthetic devices assist amputees to operate vehicles comfortably. Moreover, in some states, it’s required that amputated individuals undergo evaluation procedures to assess their driving capacities and abilities.
Also, to know whether an amputee needs some specific modifications to his or her vehicle before driving.
Contents
Can a person with a prosthetic right leg drive?
Yes. An amputee with a prosthetic right foot can drive or operate a vehicle after he or she has undergone proper assessment and evaluation to examine his or her driving skills and abilities.
If you have lost your right foot, you may be able to drive with a prosthetic device depending on your ability, vehicle modifications, and ability to meet license requirements.
A person with a right foot prosthetic device can operate both a manual vehicle and an automatic transmission car with some vehicle modifications.
Most of the time, an amputee who has lost his or her right foot needs to move the vehicle accelerator to the left side of the brake pedal. Note than an amputee who makes use of a prosthesis on their right foot must pass a disability test before driving.
Is it legal to drive with a prosthetic foot?
Yes, but before you can drive with a prosthetic foot, you must inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and you must pass the disability driving test.
The first thing to do if an amputee with a prosthetic foot wants to start driving is to make your intentions known to the DVLA. They will evaluate and assess you before permitting you to drive.
This process can result in a disability test to ensure that you are fit and a license will be given to you. Moreover, there is a penalty attached to failure to comply with the rules and regulations, such as a fine, license delay, etc. The legality of driving with a prosthetic foot varies and depends on your region or state-specific requirements.
How long can you drive with a prosthetic leg?
Generally, we tend to believe that devices, equipment, or machines can’t last forever. At some point, you may start to notice that your prosthetic device is not functioning well again, or maybe you feel like upgrading your prosthetic device.
Most of the time, your prosthetic may suggest that you adjust your current prosthetic device or replace it with a new component.
You can drive with a prosthetic leg for an average period of three to five years. There are temporary prosthetic devices that last for a few months before renewal, but the average number of years you can use a new prosthetic leg device is three to five years.
Some signs tell you to change your prosthetic devices, such as discomfort, new pains, and lack of stability. In such situations, the best thing to do is to visit a prosthetist to re-adjust your prosthetic device or give you a new component. If you are giving a new component a try, make sure you understand how it works for proper usage.
Should I use a left-foot accelerator?
A left foot accelerator is modern adaptive driving equipment that is mainly used in situations when a person experiences damage or a traumatic disaster that results in the inactivity of the right foot, but the left foot is still functioning.
So definitely, you can use a left foot accelerator if you have experienced this situation. A left foot accelerator is an easy and simple device that shifts the control of the gas pedal to the left-hand side of the brake, which makes it easy to drive safely with a left foot.
You can use a left-foot accelerator fitted to a pedal if you are unable to use the right leg on the accelerator. A left-foot accelerator enables easy movements on the accelerator and brake when installed in a vehicle.
How does a left-foot accelerator work?
It’s very easy and simple to operate a left-foot accelerator. Gently push the desired pedal, and the other pedal bends over in the opposite direction.
This makes it simple to switch the car to drive with either the left or right foot, depending on the driver’s preference. For safety purposes, it’s advisable to make use of the accelerator pedal at a particular time.
Some cars with foot-operated parking brakes will still need to get additional adaptations because the left foot accelerator is normally close to the parking brake pedal, so the parking brake should be transformed to hand-operated.
It’s recommended that anyone who’s driving with a left-foot accelerator for the first time to exercise a driving assessment before using it.
Left foot accelerator installation cost
The cost of a left-foot accelerator varies by country. Also, the installation cost is determined by the fee charged by the installer or mechanic. Installing a left foot accelerator, on the other hand, is not expensive, and should cost between $120 and $160.
Basic Driving Tips after an Amputation
Even though you are amputated, you can still drive. But, it may be necessary to do some modifications, as well as consider driving an automatic transmission instead of a manual transmission car. Listed below are some of the basic driving tips after amputation.
For Above-or Below-Elbow Amputation
What to do.
For greater one-handed handling, you can add a steering knob. You may need to adjust your dashboard controls for easy access to the headlights, turn signals, and wipers, depending on which arm has been amputated.
For Above- or Below-Knee Amputation – Right Leg
You can have your car adjusted to put the accelerator pedal on the left side of the brake pedal..
For Above-or Below-Knee Amputation — Left Leg
With this kind of amputation, yes, you can still drive a basic automatic car with your right leg. After the setup, all you need is to use the other leg ( the right leg). Note that driving a manual transmission car is not recommended.
Conclusion
A prosthetic foot or leg is made or developed to replace a missing natural limb in the body, allowing the body to work more efficiently and execute activities such as walking and driving.
Driving with a prosthesis on the right foot allows people to drive normally and alleviates transportation issues. Although there are amputees that can drive normally with their right or leg prosthetic device, there is no need for a vehicle modification.
These individuals have or make use of lower leg prosthetic devices to control their legs, which are still suitable for driving.
Moreover, an amputee who is using his or her right foot prosthetic device still needs to make a slight modification to his or her vehicle. Such modifications include a left foot gas pedal to control the vehicle, a power brake, an automatic transmission, etc.
Generally, today, many people with prosthetic devices can drive vehicles comfortably, effectively, and safely with little modification. This enables them to live their lives normally and makes transportation easy.
References
https://amputeestore.com/blogs/amputee-life/basic-driving-tips-after-an-amputation
https://www.jeffgosling.co.uk/products/left-foot-accelerators.php