Risks associated with Wheelchairs during Transport

In the past five months there have been two separate incidents involving a passenger in a wheelchair sustaining fatal injuries during a trip in a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).

Wheelchairs must be appropriately restrained when passengers are seated in them. Failure to do so may result in the wheelchair moving or falling whilst in transit, unseating the passenger which can result in serious or fatal injuries.

Contributing factors to WAV related incidents could include:

• ​Failing to ensure that the passenger’s wheelchair is of a type that is suitable to be appropriately restrained within the WAV. 
• Failing to have the wheelchair positioned with the occupant facing the front of the vehicle and the wheelchair located between the front and rear restraint attachment points on the floor of the vehicle. 

​• ​Failing to secure the wheelchair with brakes – this could see the chair roll and build enough momentum to stress the tie down straps. 
• Failure of tie down equipment to hold the wheelchair in place – this may be because it is damaged, not attached correctly, or faulty. 

​Drivers of WAVs are cautioned that legal action could be taken against them if they are found to breach their obligations when carrying passengers with mobility aids. In addition, CPVV may suspend or cancel the driver accreditation held by any driver who has failed to fully and properly restrain a passenger in a wheelchair, or has attempted to transport a wheelchair or scooter and its passenger in any manner which is not consistent with the above requirements.