• Driving a motorized wheelchair safely requires a careful survey of the surrounding area.man in wheelchair image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Motorized wheelchairs provide a more practical mobility option for many handicapped people. Staying safe, while riding in a motorized wheelchair, however, requires understanding of what can go wrong with the equipment and how to prevent these issues. People who use these devices should learn how to avoid tipping over, puncturing a tire, or becoming stranded because of a failed battery or other mechanism.
  
  

Tire Protection

• The tires on a motorized wheelchair are similar to those on a car in that they are inflated with air. When driving your wheelchair, make sure to avoid areas that have sharp rocks, shattered glass or any other debris that can puncture the wheels of your chair. Getting a flat tire, while the wheelchair is in motion, can cause the wheelchair to flip over onto the punctured side.
  
  

Keeping the Wheelchair Upright

• People who use motorized wheelchairs need to prevent their chairs from flipping over, which can be potentially dangerous. Anti-tipper devices are available at medical supply companies or online for both the front and back wheels. When operating the chair, never drive horizontally across an inclined surface as doing so can cause it to flip over. Also be careful around curves and other small drops; driving your wheelchair off of them can cause it to flip over as well. Always use your seat belt while driving and slow down before turning corners.
  
  

Wheelchair-Accessible Vans

• When riding in wheelchair-accessible vans while seated in the chair, make sure to lock the brakes on your chair. In addition, use the seat belt on your wheelchair, making sure that your back is flat against the backrest. This will minimize the likelihood of injury in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
  
  

Other Safety Precautions

• When using your motorized wheelchair outside, make sure to carry an extra battery and a cell phone. Without the extra battery, you could easily be stranded if your wheelchair's battery dies. Without the cell phone, you would have no way to get help if your wheelchair stopped working or if you flipped over. Make sure to keep the cell phone attached to your body or to an easily accessible part of the wheelchair. In addition, have your wheelchair inspected periodically by the durable medical equipment provider to ensure that it is in working order.