The aim of the report is to analyse what has been done, what is being done and what needs to be done in order to meet the transport needs of car drivers with spinal cord injuries. The report describes current knowledge in Sweden, as well as internationally. People who suffer a serious spinal cord injury lose a large part of their mobility. Many can regain a considerable portion of their mobility and independence through the ability to drive a car. However, these drivers limit their use of the car since it is too labourious to drive. A probable reason is that vehicle adaptations do not always meet demands on safety, comfort and security. The requirements in both registration and annual inspections are poorly specified. There is reason to consider a sharpening of the requirements on vehicles adapted for the disabled. Vehicle grants are of very great importance for most people with functional disabilities, but there is no study showing the decisiveness of such support. One proposal is for the Swedish National Road Administration to take over the responsibility, partly because it has general responsibility for the transport possibilities of people with functional disabilities and partly because this would reduce the number of departments involved in driving licence and vehicle matters concerning persons with functional disabilities. The Swedish National Road Administration is an expert body concerning vehicles and drivers and should be utilised better in this respect. At the same time, a study should be made of the possibilities of establishing special centres of competence to which people with functional disabilities could turn for help and support. Resources should also be put into studying how the introduction of intelligent transport systems (ITS) can change the situation of drivers with impaired mobility. The technology entails both major potentials and risks. If the needs and resources of those with functional disabilities are neglected both in regard to services and technology, there is a risk of leaving out groups which could benefit greatly from the changes. In the worst case, they could become even more handicapped in the traffic environment. (A)
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