The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing a rule seeking to expand mobility for people with disabilities.
“This rule will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to achieve greater mobility and freedom in their lives,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking would allow two new modifications for adaptive equipment. The public would have 30 days to comment.
According to the NHTSA, the first proposed change would allow rental car companies to temporarily disable a driver’s knee bolster airbag to install hand controls to assist people with disabilities requiring vehicular hand controls to rent vehicles safely.
The second proposed change would permit the installation of rear-mounted transporters for wheelchairs and power scooters.
“Safe and accessible transportation is vital for people with disabilities,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens said.
“This rule will enable them to rent a wider range of cars and make it easier to transport their wheelchairs and scooters, which will improve their quality of life.”
The NHTSA indicated federal law generally prohibits a manufacturer, distributor, dealer, rental company, or motor vehicle repair business from knowingly making inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
NHTSA issuing specific exemptions balancing mobility and safety allows motor vehicle dealers and repair businesses to improve the mobility of drivers and passengers with disabilities, officials noted.