Re: driving with hand controls

[Guest guest]

I've been driving with hand controls for over two years. I have a lot of sensory

loss, my feet couldn't feel the pedals, and I'd lost my proprioceptive sense so

I couldn't tell exactly where my feet were. As a result my feet would slip off

the pedals, and I had a few very close calls resulting in a few dents but

fortunately no injuries. I realized that I would have to switch to hand controls

if I wanted to keep driving. I went to a place called Mobility Systems here in

Berkeley, CA, that installed the hand controls for just under a thousand

dollars.

I knew I would need instruction, and I called every driving school for miles

around, finally found the 49er Driving School in S. San Francisco, the only

school that taught the use of hand controls. I have to admit the process of

learning was terrifying: my hands had to learn to do what my feet had been doing

automatically for years, and my brain had to form new synapses for this to

happen. It was like trying to pat my head and rub my tummy, and parking was

especially difficult to relearn. But the instructor was magnificent. He was

patient and encouraging and very knowledgeable, and in 6 lessons I was on my

own. I had to go to the DMV safety office and take a new driving test, but I

passed, and now it has the restriction on my license that I can only drive with

hand controls.

I'm so happy that I took the plunge. If I hadn't, I would have had to give up

driving, or I would have run the risk of having a serious accident and injuring

or killing someone. Now I drive as easily and as comfortably as ever.

Ruth

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jackie,

Will insurance cover it?

[Guest guest]

The price of hand controls vary. And they are different for each car. I have a

PT Cruiser and I got my hand controls in 2002. If you buy a car brand new the

dealership foots the bill. My control cost me $795.00.And it is worth every

penny. I drive with confidence and I can use the brake pedal if I want. I have

no trouble using the gas pedal. I'm a danger when it comes to braking.Call a

Medical Supply store for more info.Hope this helps some.

Barb

[Guest guest]

How much does it cost for the hand controls and is this something that

can be transferred from one car to another or easily removed if you

decide to sell and the new owner has no interest in hand controls?

Thanks,

Tonya

[Guest guest]

Hi folks,

In my case insurance did NOT cover it. The cost was about $900, and another few

hundred for lessons, since I didn't feel secure enough to drive without

instruction. Yes, they can be removed if you sell the car, and they can be

installed in another car. I was nervous (well, terrified) during the learning

period, but now driving with the hand controls is second nature, and I feel

totally secure and relaxed behind the wheel.

We're shivering here in N. California, and the hummingbirds are hanging around

the feeder because they need the extra energy to keep their tiny bodies warm.

They are another little blessing that helps me forget the pain in my feet.

Ruth

[Guest guest]

Hi I have hand controls,yes you can transfer them from one car to another so if

you want to sell your car it's not a big deal. The cost maybe 10,000? I have to

look at my paper work, I have gotten them in NY and FL. but if you get your car

from a dealer some of them PAY$$$$$$$$ for it they did for my VW BUG.

561-347-1143 call me if you want.

Laine

[Guest guest]

I believe mine cost $750 and yes they can be removed and moved into another car.

I had mine in a VW jetta and transferred it to my van for a small cost of a

de-install and re-install. Sometimes they do have to drill some holes to make it

happen. Also, the hand control control the pedals, but leave you access to use

the pedals, so anyone can still drive your car even with the hand controls in

the car.

As far as insurance, I am not sure on what is covered. I do now that if you buy

a new car, the car manufacturers will give you some money to make things ADA

compliant in cars giving you money towards accomodations.

Jackie