Electric Power Wheelchair Road Safety
People all over the country use electric power wheelchairs to ensure that they can retain their mobility and go many places that they might not be able to otherwise. It is very important to be very conscious of cars and vehicles though, because it can be difficult for drivers of large vehicles to see people in wheelchairs. One 21 year old man in Michigan learned this the hard way.
Ben Carpenter was crossing an intersection when the light changed to green. A tractor trailer waiting at the light started to accelerate and Carpenters electric power wheelchair became lodged in the grill of the truck. What followed was undoubtedly a very scary ride.
The tractor trailer accelerated to over 50 miles per hour with Carpenter riding in the front. Several motorists called 911 and finally were able to get the tractor trailer to pull over to the side of the road. Luckily Carpenter was uninjured and the only damage to his wheelchair was a little bit of lost rubber on the wheels.
This situation illustrates how important it is to make certain that drivers are aware you are present. It is best to avoid crossing or using public roads whenever possible, but if you must cross the road always make eye contact with the driver first. You can not rely on others to see you, so you must make certain they do before crossing the road.
Thankfully this situation turned out very well. Carpenter was uninjured and only a little shaken, but it could have been much worse.
