The ability to drive gives us freedom and our independence. However, if you are living with rheumatoid arthritis it sometimes offers you challenges. There are times that having arthritis can threaten the freedom that driving gives us. Fortunately, there are quite a few arthritis driving aids that can keep us driving on our own.
If arthritis affects your hands you may consider a stress-relieving steering wheel cover. This can relieve driving fatique by massaging your hands while you drive. Getting gas can be a real challenge if you are unable to get the gas cap off. Even getting in and out of the car can be difficult. Or a stiff neck can make it difficult to turn your neck to see.
Let’s take a look at some arthritis driving aids that can help reduce your pain and allow you to enjoy freedom and independance that being able to drive gives you.
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Arthritis Driving Aids Products
Gas Cap Opener For People With Arthritis
Gas tanks on vehicles are tightly sealed systems. This creates a vacuum inside the gas tank that can make the gas cap very difficult to loosen and remove. When you have rheumatoid arthritis it could actually be impossible. I remember a time when I had problems with this. There were a few years when I was single and there was no one to help me with tasks like this. The only choice I had was to ask someone at the gas station to help me. It really was quite embarrassing to always have to ask for help, but I had no choice. I sure wish I had known about these tools then!
In doing my research I found so many people who loved these gas caps. One person said that he bought his wife a gas cap opener for Christmas and she said it was the best Christmas gift ever! In the past he had bought her rings and necklaces and nothing was as appreciated as the gas cap opener! 🙂
Here are three models that have the best ratings. I feel that the 3 Piece Gas Cap Tool Set is going to be the best choice because it has two attachments with it to allow it to fit different sized caps.
3 Piece Gas Cap Tool SetBuy on AmazonFreedom Gas Cap WrenchBuy on AmazonGas Cap Opener for Cars and TrucksBuy on Amazon
Easy to Reach Seat Belt Handle
Do you have trouble reaching around to grab your seat belt? Sometimes our bodies just don’t move the way we would like them to. Plus, some seat belts are just in the wrong position for people with arthritis and they are very difficult to reach. A seat belt grabber is a flexible extension handle that allows you to grasp the seat belt. For the price of lunch, a seat belt grabber might be just what you need to make your life a little easier.
A Tip You May Want To Try: If the seat belt “cuts” you across the neck because it just isn’t in the right position, you can put a spring clothespin on it. My mother used to do this and I have started doing it too. The clothespin is strong enough to hold the seat belt from going all the way back into it’s holder. But, it is flimsy enough to pop off if the seat belt engages in an accident.
Seat Belt Grabber Handle – Helps buckle up!
Handybar Car Transfer Handle
The Handybar car transfer handle is perfect for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of a car. Very nice for anyone who has issues with balance or is recovering from surgery. It will fit on either the driver or passenger side. Just insert the tip of the handybar into the U-shaped door striker latch. Note that the latch must have bolts or screws attaching the striker to the door frame. If your vehicle has a door striker bolt instead of a latch, this will not work with your vehicle.
The handle measures 9″ long and 1″ wide and weighs one pound. You can store it in your glove box or even take it with you when traveling with someone else.
This 3-in-1 safety tool also includes a window breaker and a seat belt cutter should you have an emergency.
Stander HandyBar, Portable Vehicle Support Grab BarBuy on Amazon
Swivel Car Seat Cushions
A versatile swivel auto seat cushion will make getting in and out of your car much easier. Most swivel car seat cushions rotate a full 360 degrees. This allows you to get out of a seated position without having to strain your body. The cushion will actually move with your body.
As an added benefit it also helps to reduce the pressure point sensitivity that can cause pain while you are sitting. It can help reduce the stress on your back that occurs from twisting and turning while you are getting out of your car.
However, there is one drawback to some of the swivel car seat cushions in that some of them do not work well on contoured seats like bucket seats. They work better on flat surfaces.
Deluxe Gel Swivel Seat Cushion Featured with Memory FoamBuy on AmazonDrive Medical Deluxe Swivel Seat Cushion, Can Be Used on a Chair or in the CarBuy on AmazonHealthSmart 360 Degree Swivel Seat Cushion for CarBuy on Amazon
Seat Belt Holder
The BuckleMate seat belt holder makes buckling easy for people with arthritis. It prevents the buckle from getting wedged in between the seats and holds it up to making it easy to find. Comes in five different colors to match the interior of your car.
MyBuckleMate Floppy Car Seat Buckle Holder (Set of 2) Buckling Made Easier for Tots to Adults
All View Mirrors
With standard side and rear view mirrors, you see three separate and distinct views of the road behind you and they are not complete. A wide view rear view mirror lets you view one complete and seamless view – left, right and center.
All view mirrors are used by professional auto racers, police officers and driver rehabilitation specialists All view mirrors help eliminate dangerous blind spots by giving you a full rear traffic view without having to turn your head.
Clip-on Wide Angle Rear View Mirror
Stress Relieving Steering Wheel Cover
Made of 100% environmentally friendly food grade silicone. It is odorless, non-slip, waterproof and dust proof. It provides a nice feeling to your hands. The soft grains and bristles of the silicone will help reduce fatique by massaging your hands as you are driving and also will help keep you awake.
It comes in a standard size which will fit all steering wheels with a 14-15 inch outer diameter. Please be sure to measure your steering wheel before ordering.
Installation is simple. All you have to do is line the top of the steering wheel with the cover. Stretch the steering wheel cover from upper to the side. Pull the steering wheel cover from the base to the bottom. Then adjust the bottom cover of the steering wheel and adjust it.
Stress-Relieving Steering Wheel CoverBuy on Amazon
Visit this government website for more tips on driving when you have arthritis.
RELATED ARTHRITIS DRIVING AIDS ARTICLES
Driving Tips for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
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