The ability to drive gives us freedom and our independence. But, 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 explore some arthritis driving aids that can help reduce your pain. They allow you to enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with being capable of driving.
This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn commissions.
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. During that time, 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 the best choice. It includes two attachments. These attachments allow it to fit different sized caps.
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. Some seat belts are just in the wrong position for people with arthritis. They are very difficult to reach. A seat belt grabber is a flexible extension handle that lets you grasp the seat belt. A seat belt grabber is affordable. It 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, it might not be 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.
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.
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 lets you get out of a seated position without having to strain your body. The cushion will actually move with your body.
As an added advantage, it helps to reduce the pressure point sensitivity. This sensitivity can cause pain while you are sitting. It can help reduce the stress on your back. This stress occurs from twisting and turning while you are getting out of your car.
But, there is one drawback to some of the swivel car seat cushions. Some of them do not work well on contoured seats like bucket seats. They work better on flat surfaces.
The BuckleMate seat belt holder makes buckling easy for people with arthritis. It prevents the buckle from getting wedged in between the seats. It holds the buckle up, making it easy to find. Comes in five different colors to match the interior of your car.
You see three separate and distinct views of the road behind you with standard side and rear view mirrors. Still, these views are not full. A wide view rear view mirror lets you view one complete and seamless view – left, right and center.
Professional auto racers, police officers, and driver rehabilitation specialists use all view mirrors. All view mirrors help remove dangerous blind spots. They offer a full rear traffic view without requiring you to turn your head.
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 fatigue by massaging your hands as you drive. They will also 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.
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