The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released for public comment a proposed rule to improve access to motor vehicles, including rental cars, for people with disabilities. The rule proposes changes to NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to facilitate the use of adaptive equipment in rental cars and to simplify vehicle transport of wheelchairs and scooters.
Public comments are due January 27, 2021. For further information, visit DOT’s website or contact Gunyoung Lee of NHTSA Office of Crash Avoidance Standards at 202-366-6005, Daniel Koblenz of NHTSA Office of Chief Counsel at 202-366-5329, or David Jasinski at 202-366-5552.
“As a member of the disability community and a wheelchair user, I believe this is a step in the right direction.” says CJ Dodge, ACI’s Information & Referral Specialist. “There are not currently enough options for rental vehicles that have adaptive equipment. I believe this will allow companies who provide rental vehicles to begin to provide more inventory to the public. It also allows customers to choose the vehicle that they would like to use to fit their needs instead of having to choose the one option that is only sometimes available. I think that there is a need to take additional steps. I believe that every rental company should have not only the options that this proposal provides but also vehicles with ramps and adaptive seating already in place. I also believe that there should be vehicles that have adaptive equipment for people who are deaf or heard of hearing. People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as people without disabilities and that includes not having to go through extra waiting periods for adaptive rental cars to be found or retrofitted. I believe people with disabilities should be able to make a spontaneous trip if they desire to do so. But, there is definitely a need for this proposal because there isn't enough inventory available at rental companies now. “
If you are interested in writing your own testimony and would like help, contact cdodge@adacil.org
