6 replies to this topic

[Asparagus925]

So, I had only driven my boyfriend at the time around in his new awesome wheelchair accessible van once at this point. This van has a ramp and the front passenger seat has been removed so he can just scoot up in his wheelchair. It’s nice because we can still be close, talk easily and he can boss me around and tell me to change the radio station. Haha.

Anyway, there was a partial road closing in his neighborhood and I thought our van and an oncoming UPS truck could still fit around the turn at the same time. Well, MAYBE we could have, but he told me to stop, abruptly, before we could find out. He gets locked in at the base of his wheel chair on each side, so that the chair can’t move. BUT, at this point he had told me doesn’t like to wear the seat belt that goes across his chest because it’s uncomfortable. Maybe so, but when I stopped, and very quickly at that, because of his level of injury, his chest and arms lunged forward very dramatically. It’s not like he hit his head on the dash board or anything, but he didn’t have the belt across his chest to hold him back. He said he was fine, and he was, but I was super traumatized. He thought it was funny and wasn't the least bit upset. I on the other hand felt like we were in an accident, even though technically nothing was hit! (That may be a tad of the drama queen in me.)

The next few times I drove I was overly cautious, and when I’d go to make practically any stop I’d put my arm across his chest. Well, he didn’t particularly love that, and it was hard to stop, but I have. Here’s my question for you guys – even though he is strapped in at the base of his chair and the lap belt in his chair, do you (or do you think) the regular seat belt with the chest restraint should be on him? He is a C3/C4 incomplete and has movement from his shoulders up.

He and I have talked about it and I let him know it was really important to ME that I feel like he’s safe. Fate would just so have it that the seat belt thingy is kinda broken and I can’t fix it, so I’m waiting for a family member to do so. When it’s fixed I’m anxious to see if he’ll amuse me and willingly let me strap him in. Granted, I could just do it, but I’m not going to advantage of the situation.

Any input would be great! And sorry if I’m all over the place, this is my first posting, so I’m pretty new

[Ferreira]

Asparagus925, on 13 October 2011 - 01:51 PM, said:

So, I had only driven my boyfriend at the time around in his new awesome wheelchair accessible van once at this point. This van has a ramp and the front passenger seat has been removed so he can just scoot up in his wheelchair. It’s nice because we can still be close, talk easily and he can boss me around and tell me to change the radio station. Haha.

Anyway, there was a partial road closing in his neighborhood and I thought our van and an oncoming UPS truck could still fit around the turn at the same time. Well, MAYBE we could have, but he told me to stop, abruptly, before we could find out. He gets locked in at the base of his wheel chair on each side, so that the chair can’t move. BUT, at this point he had told me doesn’t like to wear the seat belt that goes across his chest because it’s uncomfortable. Maybe so, but when I stopped, and very quickly at that, because of his level of injury, his chest and arms lunged forward very dramatically. It’s not like he hit his head on the dash board or anything, but he didn’t have the belt across his chest to hold him back. He said he was fine, and he was, but I was super traumatized. He thought it was funny and wasn't the least bit upset. I on the other hand felt like we were in an accident, even though technically nothing was hit! (That may be a tad of the drama queen in me.)

The next few times I drove I was overly cautious, and when I’d go to make practically any stop I’d put my arm across his chest. Well, he didn’t particularly love that, and it was hard to stop, but I have. Here’s my question for you guys – even though he is strapped in at the base of his chair and the lap belt in his chair, do you (or do you think) the regular seat belt with the chest restraint should be on him? He is a C3/C4 incomplete and has movement from his shoulders up.

He and I have talked about it and I let him know it was really important to ME that I feel like he’s safe. Fate would just so have it that the seat belt thingy is kinda broken and I can’t fix it, so I’m waiting for a family member to do so. When it’s fixed I’m anxious to see if he’ll amuse me and willingly let me strap him in. Granted, I could just do it, but I’m not going to advantage of the situation.

Any input would be great! And sorry if I’m all over the place, this is my first posting, so I’m pretty new

No doubt he should be using the seatbelt. Always even if he wasnt a quad. I am a t1, my arms are 100% fine, still when i am in the passenger seat, i need to grab hard on some ocasions. What if i was distracted or asleep? I cant straight my torso, if i go foward i depend only on my arms,triceps is what i use the most to go back on my chair, so i dont believe a complete C3, C4 can have these functional enough to do it.
There are also something like a little cushion that you can put around the belt so it wont hurt.
Keep safe and always use the seatbelt.In here it is against the law not to.

[Spinner]

For my husband there would be a huge balance issue. I would refuse to drive him without a seatbelt.

[goose]

Welcome Asparagus925 to the forum. Some men can be alittle stubborn lol. You could approach it by telling him it's the law buckle up [at least it is in my state]. I found a furry seatbelt cover that uses velcro . It doesn't feel like it's cutting into your chest or neck. I sit in the passenger seat and use the regular lap/chest seatbelt. I will say when we've made some rather quick stops I did go forward but the seatbelt snatched me back. I feel more comfortable wearing it but I've always worn a seatbelt. With that being said, I was a passenger at the time of my accident and the seatbelt is what broke my neck but they have been changed since then.

Good luck ! I think we found that cover at Walmart or a parts store.

[Asparagus925]

Thanks, guys, for your input! I'm def going to remind him about it being the law - but you know how many people break laws all the time. I don't know if that'll help the matter, but I'll give it a try! Thanks for the idea about the seat belt cover. We'll go to Wal-Mart and I'll find a nice leopard or pink one for him! He'll love it! hahaha.

I appreciate your feedback and insights!

[Vanessamaee]

Are you talking about a chest strap that litterally goes across the chest? or The actual seat belt. the actual seatbelt... yea it's the law to wear it. But the chest strap is a different story. Im a T3/T4 complete (I know lower but im facing the sam issues) my dad slammed on the brakes and I flew forward (JUST LIKE ANY PERSON WOULD!) but caught myself with my hand on the dashboard. Now the stupid driver course nazi lady is insisting that I get a chest strap installed and wear it while im driving. So now I have to pay for this chest strap, theat Im refusing to wear. My dad also, like you, has the problem of now reaching across to block me with is arm, which just pisses me off and I yell at him for it. ALWAYS wear a seat belt (I know SO many people who are in chairs because of not wearing seat belts and getting in a wreck) ALWAYS strap his chair in. but the extra chest strap is his call. but I mean if you guys could find mutual ground thatd always be a plus (:

[tsh3406]

goose, on 13 October 2011 - 08:50 PM, said:

Welcome Asparagus925 to the forum. Some men can be alittle stubborn lol. You could approach it by telling him it's the law buckle up [at least it is in my state]. I found a furry seatbelt cover that uses velcro . It doesn't feel like it's cutting into your chest or neck. I sit in the passenger seat and use the regular lap/chest seatbelt. I will say when we've made some rather quick stops I did go forward but the seatbelt snatched me back. I feel more comfortable wearing it but I've always worn a seatbelt. With that being said, I was a passenger at the time of my accident and the seatbelt is what broke my neck but they have been changed since then.

Good luck ! I think we found that cover at Walmart or a parts store.

Goose nailed it, it's the law, plain and simple. Regardless what he says and feels about it, you as the driver are responsible for everyone in your car. If your passengers do not obey the law, it's YOUR ass. That's the only argument you need.

Tim