As fall approaches, daytime temperatures decrease and trees begin to shed their leaves. These crisp fall days make for some of the best outdoor activities. Don’t let your wheelchair stop you from taking advantage of the season! The team at EZ-ACCESS is here to help with a few outdoor wheelchair safety tips:
Preparing for the Weather
Be sure to check the weather in your area before heading for your fall outing. Keep your eye in the sky, but also on the surface your navigating. Precipitation of any kind will make the ground you are traveling slick and prone to slipping. Remember that when using ramps, a wet surface makes uphill wheeling difficult and downhill wheeling dangerous. Most importantly, take your time.
Balancing Off-Road Surfaces
When participating in fall festivities outdoors, thicker tires work better for traversing difficult terrain. Be cautious of potholes, large rocks, and sandy areas. These hazards create an imbalance for your wheelchair. As soon as you are over the off-road surface, clean off your tires to avoid unwanted tipping or spinning.
Navigating Nighttime
Making yourself visible is the number one priority, especially in parking lots or along roadways. Keep in mind, a dimly lit wheelchair shape is unexpected for motorists, thus their response time to your presence is delayed. Be proactive by attaching lights or reflectors to your chair before heading out on any fall excursions that may carry into the night.
Keep in mind, EZ-ACCESS can provide many wheelchair accessories to make your excursion even easier such as chair packs and covers, and welcome the fall season safely by following these tips!
