Mobility: Safe travels with adapted motor vehicles

Anyone who permanently relies on a wheelchair after a traffic accident typically wants to regain their mobility and independence and drive a car. Specialized driver safety training in adapted vehicles makes this a reality and allows people with disabilities to drive safely.

There are many providers of driver safety training programs in Germany. One of them is the Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft (BG BAU, the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Building Trade). BG BAU gives drivers the chance to gain practical experience in safe driving as part of its basic and advanced seminar portfolio. This service is primarily aimed at people with mobility impairments as the result of an accident who also own an adapted vehicle.

Next to the practical driving exercises, the service also addresses important theoretical aspects. This includes traffic law and legal concerns such as parking with a disability parking permit or the disadvantages for people with mobility impairments resulting from active driving bans for diesel cars in German cities. Courses also cover aspects such as adapted seating and the effective securement of wheelchairs. First aid training and methods to deal with traffic stress are likewise part of the curriculum.

"Our goal is to help participants learn about the latest developments in adaptive technologies and allow them to test their skills as part of our seminars," explains Thomas Lucks, press officer for BG BAU. "The team of moderators consists of a mobility expert who is severely disabled following a motorcycle accident, a disability driving instructor, and a sports rehabilitation therapist. This setup ensures effective support." The seminars are conducted in collaboration with the ACE (Auto Club Europa). The team of moderators is also affiliated with ACE.

While the basic seminars provide the foundation for a safe return to driving, the advanced seminars give an in-depth look at additional content. Participation is especially helpful if drivers switch to a different vehicle or their health status has changed, perhaps as the result of age factors or worsening health following an accident. The advanced seminars include drills to drive on wet or icy roads, driving with and without ABS, or operating electric cars.

BG BAU's driver safety training always aims to facilitate the successful return to work and social reintegration. For many, a car is the only way to stay mobile and independent and to safeguard labor force and social participation.

Mario Harig completed BG BAU driver safety training courses with this adapted vehicle after a work accident in 2006 rendered him paraplegic. He believes this training helps anyone who seeks to increase their confidence in driving their car and test their personal limits and abilities. "You should always drive defensively and look down the road because mutual respect between drivers is paramount. You never know what the other driver is struggling with," Mario Harig emphasizes.

He adds that another benefit is that you get to share this experience with the other participants. "The seminar was very informative, and it was fun to bump into people I met during the basic seminar," Mario Harig rates his participation in one of the advanced seminars.

According to the BG BAU, 188 insured persons have participated in the basic seminar (as of 2019). The plan is to continue promoting the advanced seminars to boost the safety and mobility of drivers with disabilities and integrate the latest technologies in years to come.