The Application of New Technologies in the Motor Car - Positives and Negatives for the Disabled Driver 2002-01-2083

This Paper discusses how the advances in automotive control, access and safety systems can have both positive and negative impacts upon a motorist with a disability. It discusses the improvements made to date and examines how a number of the systems that will be included in vehicles specifications in the near future have the potential to be of great benefit to the disabled user. It concludes that these possibilities can only be realised for all only if there is a partnership between the user, the car manufacturer and the agency adapting the vehicle. The paper attempts to suggest some solutions to how this challenge can be approached by car manufacturers, adaptation companies and mobility assessors. It takes into account the technical problems faced by all parties in the drive to keep the severely disabled motorist mobile.