Q&A - Driving With an Arm in a Sling

Over the years, I have frequently worked with drivers who have incurred a disability, assisting them (often in conjunction with an Occupational Therapist) both in determining what device(s) they might require, and training them in the use of these.

Often enough, I've heard it said that suicide knobs are illegal, same as I've heard it's illegal to drive in bare feet, or without a shirt on.  But I've yet to come across the legislation where this is stated, and don't believe there is any, under BC Provincial Law or even at a Federal level.

Some things are worth keeping in mind - for instance, the term 'suicide knob' which is surely based on the fact that if you don't have a seatbelt on and you drive into something (i.e. the car ahead, a brick wall, like that) then it's more than likely you'll end up impaled on it.

I think that typically, improvements to devices are made at the manufacturing level; many of them are made in the USA, a somewhat litigious society.  So on the one hand, while it's desirable to have specialized controls that are quickly installed or removed (to accommodate both 'regular' drivers and 'assisted' drivers using the same vehicle), it's important that the controls be as safe as possible.  Thus, the knobs that they used to make that were attached to a spring-loaded bar-clamp that fit diametrically across the steering wheel are no longer appropriate.  Airbags, you see.  Similarly, a left-foot gas pedal will have a guard over it that doesn't permit application of the regular gas pedal by your right foot, which isn't how they used to be made, either.

As to the definition of a hand-held electronic device, well we would have to hope that logic would apply, surely?  If you can't interact with it (no screen, no sound, no keyboard etc) I can't imagine any police officer trying to charge you with an offense just because you're operating a snow plough.  Heck, referring once again to specialized devices for drivers needing assistance, the most deluxe hand controls these days will have a steering knob for the left hand, while the right hand operates a lever on the right side of the seat; forward for acceleration, backward for braking, with buttons on top for windshield wipers, turn signals, and horn.  I don't think the cops are going to try and bring charges against a paraplegic person for using one of these, eh?

If you would like an independent opinion from some folks who have been in the mobility business for decades now, talk to Shoppers HomeHealthCare, this is what they do.  Every darn thing to do with mobility, they got it or can supply it and install it.  If steering knobs really are illegal, then they will know about it, they've been selling them for years.  Oh, and another company who specialize in the particular area of automotive aids?  Sure Grip, who are on the east coast.  Keith Howell is an excellent guy, and will happy to help if he can I'm sure.