12 replies to this topic

[Notwheels]

I'm a C3-7 incomplete quad. I find when I drive, the lack of strength in my torso results in the centrifugal force of going around a curve pushing me to the left.

Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Any adaptive equipment that might help. I'm using a seatbelt and shoulder harness in a Subaru Forester.

Carolyn

[Courtney]

A driving strap...I don't know where to get one, the dealer for our van gave us ours, but it's basically a chest strap that goes around the drivers seat and straps you in....works great!!

[LeahC]

Drive slower

[allis53ca]

dammit, leah beat me to the punch...

[LuckyinKentucky]

My goodness don't slow down! I'd say hearty a velcro strap attached to you seat that has a good loop on the end so you could strap in and out.

[4tun8]

What about a Recarro race bucket and/or a 5-point seat belting system. You know, the same or similar to off-road. I went 4-wheeling with a buddy of mine and when going downhill I was hanging in the rigging but still in the seat. Just for good measure, I through my extra cushion in first. Hope this helps. Mark

[edlee]

If you are in the US,, leaning to the left puts you up against the door,,, if you're driving, that is.

I got a 2 inch strap with fsteners from a place called strapworks,,, price was pretty good, too. Since I am quite inept at placing links, you'll have to google/bing it.
ed

[LuckyinKentucky]

A full race harness would definitely work but may require vehicle modification and seat replacement. And the harness itself could be a pain to fasten. But you could pull a mean power slide with no ill effects, besides the occasional ditch or tree.

[Tate]

I know they're expensive but check out higher end/performance BMWs. I used to work on them and three years ago they were putting seats with electronic "bolsters" in their seats into the M5s I think. Even people who aren't paralyzed were having trouble staying in the seats with that much horsepower. They had two different modes, one was to push against whichever side you would slide to as you turned and the other mode was to just hold you put all the time. maybe there's a company out there that'll put them into another car...it'd cost a lot though!

[qbounce]

Screw all that extra strap crap! How about a pillow wedged between you and the door? It's much more comfortable than a 5 point racing harness.

[rue2you]

When I start going into a curve, I just lean extra the opposite way. By the time I get in the curve I am all straight! It's really not that big of an issue for me.

[chrisarnold6]

rue2you, on 01 September 2010 - 02:53 AM, said:

When I start going into a curve, I just lean extra the opposite way. By the time I get in the curve I am all straight! It's really not that big of an issue for me.

This is a good idea, and instinctive to AB drivers. However we're talking about a cervical injury, and maybe there is just not sufficient trunk control to achieve this. A full harness instead of the diagonal half belt provided by car manufacturers could be the answer, but do talk to someone who can offer firm professional advice.

[gpet1]

I had the same issue. On my first vehicle conversion I had them take one of the armrests off the driver seat that I no longer use and mount it to the door. It should be placed at the spot where your elbow can press against it when you turn. Works for me.