Self-driving cars have still a long way to go before they become an integral part of our routines. Some companies in the US have been testing self-driving delivery vehicles for simple business interactions, such as food and parcel deliveries in a controlled environment. However, self-driving cars and trucks are not yet safe for everyday use. For people with reduced mobility, a vehicle that can drive them safely from A to B allows them to maintain a sense of independence. But it doesn’t mean that today’s vehicles can’t assist individuals with limited mobility, whether they are drivers or passengers.

You would be surprised to know that mobility isn’t an issue anymore for both drivers and their passengers. Here is how you can tackle the problem and maintain your independence.

#1. You can pimp your ride accordingly

When most drivers consider enhancing their vehicle, the project typically includes additions that can improve both the look and performance of the car. Alloy wheels are a popular purchase as they can add a new finishing touch to the appearance of your car. Besides, keeping them light also boosts your performance on the road. Some drivers go to great lengths to get a personalised number plate. But how many drivers think of their pets?

Older pets can struggle to climb at the back of your car or even get comfortable in a hard boot. If you’re thinking of enhancing your car and adding accessories, take the time to consider options that can make the drive more comfortable for older dogs. You can add a blanket and a mattress into the boot. Some pet-specialised companies also have a range of inclines and steps to help dogs climb into a high vehicle.

#2. Dedicated financing for drivers with reduced mobility

If you’ve been recently involved in an accident or you have a chronic illness that affects your mobility, you may not realise that there are plenty of options available to drive a vehicle. Individuals with reduced mobility can be eligible for the motability scheme, which is a financing programme to help people gain access to a vehicle. With this financing scheme, you don’t get to own a vehicle, but you can drive a leased car. In other words, if you struggle with moderate to severe arthritis or you’ve been through a life-changing crash, you can maintain your independence and your mobility on the road.

#3. Install a rear camera and sensors

How many blind spots does the typical car have? Specialists agree that there are roughly two blind spots in most vehicles that makes it impossible to see what other drivers are doing or what is on the road. The blind spots are on each side of the car and extend from the rear of the car back into a triangle shape. However, depending on the shape of your vehicle, the blind spots might be more or less significant.

You can use side mirrors to keep track of what is happening along the side of your vehicle. But seeing what occurs beyond the back is impossible. Most drivers find it hard to turn to look entirely behind them when they reverse the car. The position can be straining on the lower back, the shoulders and the neck, which means you’re most likely to miss something. The addition of a rear camera can ensure perfect vision without putting pressure on your back.

#4. Get the car do the hard work in narrow streets

Ultimately, even with rear cameras and sensors, most drivers are bound to look at their sides when they park the vehicle. But if you have back or neck mobility issues that make it painful for you to turn your head, you need to look for another option. That’s precisely where self-parking cars can be a life-changer. Contrary to common belief, parallel parking your car in town is not just a matter of practice. When you have mobility issues, it is an impossible challenge. Self-parking vehicles avoid painful manoeuvres as the car technology can park for you in a tight urban spot.

#5. Make it easier to get out of the car

Last but not least, hips and knees are some of the most affected joints for arthritis sufferers. Getting inside or outside the vehicle becomes difficult. But you can keep a swivel car seat cushion that allows you to get inside the vehicle more comfortably. These work exactly like child car seats and provide the same mobility ability than any other driver.

While self-driving cars are still a dream for the future, people with reduced mobility, whether drivers or passengers, can find solutions to make vehicles more accessible. From a simple swivel cushion to a financing scheme to drive a mobility-friendly vehicle, you’ve got no excuse to stay at home!