Added on November 27, 2018  The News Wheel   , , , , , ,
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Holiday Driving Tips for Operating a Handicap-Accessible Van

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2018 GMC Savana Passenger Van

Pictured: 2018 GMC Savana Passenger Van

The holidays have arrived and you’re filling your calendar with Christmas parties and Thanksgiving pot luck meals. With the onset of winter and a surge in holiday-time traffic, the roads are not as safe as they were during the summer. If you drive a handicap-accessible van, there are certain extra precautions you should take to ensure safer travels this time of here. Here are our recommended holiday driving tips.

Driving Long Distances: Other advice you should know about travelling with your wheelchair van

Winter and holiday driving tips for wheelchair vans and SUVs

  1. Be aware of slippery roads. The ice and slush on roads combined with the above-average weight and size of your accessible van add up to a momentum that’s forceful and hard to control in the wrong circumstances. Drive attentively and gingerly to maintain control of the van’s movement, and also make sure that winter tires are equipped.
  2. Plan your route ahead of time. Be familiar with the path you’re taking to your destination, especially if it’s a location you’ve not been to before. You don’t want to get lost or take longer than you need to driving during this season.
  3. Have a full tank. Make sure your van’s gas tank is filled up before you leave on your travels. That way, you can avoid having to make unexpected stops along the way at stations that might not be safe or accessible.
  4. Inform your host of parking needs. Before leaving the house, have a conversation with the person you’re visiting to see what the parking situation is and if extra accommodations can be made to reserve a designated spot for your van. Pick a spot where you can safely enter and exit the vehicle, avoiding areas that haven’t been shoveled.
  5. Have an emergency pack. Gather essential items in a winter emergency kit and have it within reach when driving. This includes extra blankets and food, as well as vehicle tools. Also, have a set emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong, including who to call when you reach your destination and what they should do if they don’t hear from you.

If it’s possible to carpool with other people during the holidays instead of driving your handicap van alone, opt for company. That’s the best travel advice we can give you.

Is Your Van Ready for Winter? Consult this wheelchair-accessible van maintenance checklist