January, 2001

Sharing the road with wheelchairs

Whether you live in an urban or rural area of Saskatchewan, it’s not uncommon to see someone driving a motorized wheelchair or medical scooter down the street. With the growing popularity of these machines, many people are unsure of what, if any, rules of the road apply to them.

"The rules of the road that apply to pedestrians also apply to people who are using a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter for medical reasons," says Shannon Ell, SGI’s Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion. "This is important to know for both motorists and anyone who uses these devices."

There are many practical safety guidelines for people who use a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter to keep in mind. Ell offers a few tips:

• like pedestrians, the sidewalk should always be the first choice for anyone travelling in a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter

• always use crosswalks or cross at an intersection

• where there are no wheelchair accessible curbs, get on the sidewalk by using the first available driveway

• where there are no sidewalks at all, ride as closely as possible to the left side of the curb, facing traffic

• wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters should have a brightly coloured flag attached to increase visibility to motorists

• drinking is prohibited while using a motorized wheelchair or medical scooters

According to Ell, drinking and driving laws that apply to motorists also apply to people using motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters. People operating these devices under the influence of alcohol face the same penalties under the Criminal Code as drinking drivers, and will be prohibited from driving their motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters. This prohibition applies even if the operator requires the device for medical purposes.

Motorists can also increase safety on the road by yielding the right of way to people using a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter, advises Ell. She reminds motorists that they may not pass any vehicle that is already stopped at an intersection for people using these devices.

Following these safety guidelines will ensure safety for yourself and for others.

For more information, contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6179

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