Fitting a ball knob to steering wheel.

[Temprance]

Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?

I've already worked out how to play flute with arm in collar and cuff.
lol But if I can't drive then I am at mercy of Hubby driving me around
when he feels like it.

temprance

[Flying Rat]

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?
I've already worked out how to play flute with arm in collar and cuff.
lol But if I can't drive then I am at mercy of Hubby driving me around
when he feels like it.
temprance

I'd give a Mobility Centre a call, they have the necessary information
and can point you in the direction of a supplier

http://www.motability.co.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?nodeid=89976
&int1stParentNodeID=89580

On the subject of the steering ball, they are not a major adaptation to
the controls. Buses and lorries used to have them fitted as standard. It
doesn't have to involve removal or replacement of parts or systems so
it's not a substantial change to the vehicle, and I would assume isn't
going to cause you any difficulties with insurance or other formalities.
The ones I have seen available are clamp-on devices for the existing
wheel.

FR

[Dave Islander]

Post by Flying Rat
I'd give a Mobility Centre a call, they have the necessary information
and can point you in the direction of a supplier
http://www.motability.co.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?nodeid=89976
&int1stParentNodeID=89580
On the subject of the steering ball, they are not a major adaptation to
the controls. Buses and lorries used to have them fitted as standard. It
doesn't have to involve removal or replacement of parts or systems so
it's not a substantial change to the vehicle, and I would assume isn't
going to cause you any difficulties with insurance or other formalities.
The ones I have seen available are clamp-on devices for the existing
wheel.
FR

Excellent advice with the small exception of the insurance. IMHO if even a
small adaptation is required to compensate for mobility problems caused by
surgery then the Insurance company should at least be informed.. ANY
accident will undoubtedly be deemed to be the fault of the person with poor
mobility in the shoulder/arm joints who required an aid just to turn the
wheel! I think we all know how insurance companies work, and who will always
get the blame in a collision between able bodied versus Disabled person....
Much better to be safe than sorry IMHO and to prevent the dreaded "you
didn't tell us so you're not insured"
Dave

[Budgie]

Post by Temprance
If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc?

It doesn't have to be a ball knob-type. You can all shapes and sizes of
knobs, pegs, hooks etc to suit your particular comfort needs. Ball types can
be difficult if you have a grip problem.

Budgie

[Cerumen]

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?

They are easy to get but I have not fitted one to my car in order to avoid
the "adapted" car problems. I find that my power steering is enough to
make me feel safe driving my car although when I first lost my arm I was
very doubtful that I would ever feel safe to drive again. In the last five
years though I have driven a hundred thousand miles in my own car in many
countries in Europe and many more miles in many other hire cars in other
countries further away. Only one hire car had a wheel knob and it was more
of an encumbrance than an aid for me.


--

Chris Thomas
West Cork
Ireland

[MCC]

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?
I've already worked out how to play flute with arm in collar and cuff.
lol But if I can't drive then I am at mercy of Hubby driving me around
when he feels like it.

Be careful when fitting a steering knob/ball to the wheel that it doesn't
interfere with the operation of the driver's airbag which is usually in the
wheel. Your servicing agent will keep you right.
I use one all the time - couldn't manage without it now.
Mine came from Halford's a while ago.

[d***@yahoo.co.uk]

On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 16:48:53 +0000, Temprance
<***@spamdotselkie.org.ukspam> wrote:
(Snipped)

Post by Temprance
If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?

My partner uses one. We got it from a van dealership (LDV as it
happens) for a couple of quid.
On its own it was not enough for us. With only one hand how do you
signal, how do you change gear, how do you operate the washers?
We ended up having to change car completely to a more fully adapted
automatic, but her loss of function is permanent.
I hope you will be able to manage with just the ball knob. It takes
some getting used to so I would fit it now and practice. Once you have
used one you may want to leave it on once you are back to normal! It
is quite an aid to parking, I find.

Regarding Swansea DVLC I would first ask your Doctor if he sees any
problem. If he doesn't, ring DVLC and your Insurers and I'm pretty
sure they will advise you there are no special requirements in this
case. (Take the name of the persons who advise you just to cover
yourself)

Good luck with your driving and a speedy recovery to you!

[Cerumen]

Post by d***@yahoo.co.uk
On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 16:48:53 +0000, Temprance
(Snipped)

Post by Temprance
If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?

My partner uses one. We got it from a van dealership (LDV as it
happens) for a couple of quid.
On its own it was not enough for us. With only one hand how do you
signal, how do you change gear, how do you operate the washers?

I bought a new car and ensured that indicators and dip switch are on the
left of my wheel and in reach of a finger without taking my one hand off
the wheel and of course I bought an automatic. The wiper and screen
washers are on the right of the wheel but easy enough to reach while still
keeping my hand on the wheel.


--

Chris Thomas
West Cork
Ireland

[Peter Parry]

On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 16:48:53 +0000, Temprance

do I then have to inform Swansea Insurance etc?

Yes - it is essential that you tell your insurance company.

[Temprance]

Post by d***@yahoo.co.uk
On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 16:48:53 +0000, Temprance

do I then have to inform Swansea Insurance etc?

Yes - it is essential that you tell your insurance company.

Hmm. I hadn't thought about indicators etc and the airbag. My
indicators are on right side of the wheel and I don't have power
steering so basically I think I am screwed (pun) until I can at least
use my arm to rest on the wheel and flick the indicator lever..
T

[John]

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 00:16:52 +0000, Temprance

Post by Temprance

Post by d***@yahoo.co.uk
On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 16:48:53 +0000, Temprance

do I then have to inform Swansea Insurance etc?

Yes - it is essential that you tell your insurance company.

Hmm. I hadn't thought about indicators etc and the airbag. My
indicators are on right side of the wheel and I don't have power
steering so basically I think I am screwed (pun) until I can at least
use my arm to rest on the wheel and flick the indicator lever..
T

I wouldn't worry about it at all, I seem to drive behind plenty of one
armed, non signalling drivers every day of the week. The "spare" arm
seems to be used soley for beating time on the door or roof panels so
you should manage quite well.

[Peter Parry]

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 00:16:52 +0000, Temprance

Post by Temprance
Hmm. I hadn't thought about indicators etc and the airbag. My
indicators are on right side of the wheel and I don't have power
steering

I would be very wary of using one handed steering with a ball fitting
on a vehicle not designed for such devices and without power
steering. The kickback from the steering wheel if you hit kerbs or
potholes can be quite severe and if you loose grip of the ball you
loose steering.

[Russ]

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?
I've already worked out how to play flute with arm in collar and cuff.
lol But if I can't drive then I am at mercy of Hubby driving me around
when he feels like it.
temprance

List of medical conditions requiring you to notify DVLA includes
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dmed1_files/group1.htm#ct

a.. Amputation, Impaired limb function, impairment secondary to medication

a.. Any other medical condition likely to affect ability to safely control a
vehicle e.g. chronic debilitation illness

So yes you do need to inform DVLA - you'll also need to inform your
insurance company of both your medical condition and the modification
required to allow you to drive.

Russ

[Me]

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?

You can get steering aids and other driving controls from here :-
http://www.alfredbekker.com/common/splash.htm

Be warned though their own fitters will charge a small fortune for doing it
so its better to do it yourself or get a friend\family member to do it for
you(it will only take about 10 minutes) and yes you would be required to
tell your insurance company if this problem is likely to affect your
driving ability.

[Temprance]

Post by Me

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?

You can get steering aids and other driving controls from here :-
http://www.alfredbekker.com/common/splash.htm
Be warned though their own fitters will charge a small fortune for doing it
so its better to do it yourself or get a friend\family member to do it for
you(it will only take about 10 minutes) and yes you would be required to
tell your insurance company if this problem is likely to affect your
driving ability.

Shame. Will just have to stay off the road and not score points for
hitting pedestrians.;-) Will be frustrating but it will mean less pain
in the end so that's worth it in the long run.
T

[Lindsey]

I got one for my daughter off ebay.co.uk at a really reasonable privce of
under £10, a previous one that I bought and then lost cost me £18-20.
Lynn

Post by Temprance
Just wondering. I'm due to have some pretty drastic surgery to right
shoulder bones and tendons and ortho says about 6-18 months to get
full use back. I'm right handed naturally and it means I won't be able
to drive. If I were to go down the road of having one of the ball knob
things on my steering wheel to help me steer do I then have to inform
Swansea Insurance etc? Technically it must mean the car has been
adapted I suppose. Also where would I get one?
I've already worked out how to play flute with arm in collar and cuff.
lol But if I can't drive then I am at mercy of Hubby driving me around
when he feels like it.
temprance