"Those blue lines mean no parking, bro"

"Jeff Butler" (qrugby5) 03/17/2014 at 11:18 • Filed to: ada, quadlife

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After reading !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , I wanted to share the flip side of vehicles for people with disabilities through my own story.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I have been using a wheelchair for 10 years since breaking my neck when I was 13 in a car accident. Hands down the most common question I am asked is "how do you drive?" or even "can you drive?" I generally bite my tongue and explain it to them that it's actually quite easy using hand controls, but that's not the whole story. There are a few options for driving if you use a wheelchair. The main two however, are to purchase a modified accessible ramp van, or to simply add hand controls to an existing vehicle. Let's focus on vans first.

An accessible ramp van is modified version of a stock minivan. Specialized companies will lower the floor, take out the middle seats, add a ramp, and line the entire thing with ugly gray plastic for about $30,000—what a steal! While accessible vans serve a purpose and provide independence for thousands of people, they don't exactly provide the most stimulating driving experience. In fact, the most exciting part of living with an accessible van is hoping that the ramp doesn't break down, and that someone doesn't park close enough to you that you can't get back in. The top picture shows a person parking me in, an unfortunate and all too common occurrence. For anyone unaware, if you ever step out of your freshly parked car and there are striped lines underneath your feet, you're probably not supposed to be there! (Interesting side note I just realized the 221B sticker on the offending vehicle is a nod to the address of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. He was probably in too much of a hurry to solve a case than to be bothered by parking rules.)

I drove an accessible van with hand controls for the first 6 years that I had my license. 6 years was about 5 years too long. I had two different flavors of accessible vans and both were modified versions of Chrysler's flagship minivan the Town and Country. My first van had a ramp that came out of the back, and I rolled straight up into it, transferred into the drivers seat, and then drove with hand controls. This configuration made it really exciting (dangerous) to open the ramp and roll backwards out into hopefully not traffic. My second swagger wagon (see above) had a ramp that came out of the side, which made it significantly safer, if not more annoying to get out of. These side entry ramps require a minimum of about 8 feet to deploy and that can be hard to come by, even when handicapped spots are available so good luck finding parking in one of these beasts.

I'm certain that anyone who has driven a Town and Country has only done so out of sheer pragmatism. No one drives a minivan for the handling or acceleration, but things go downhill fast once you drop the floor and add ~800 pounds of accessible modifications. The gas pedal becomes simply a 'make more noise pedal' and the hitting the brakes is more like asking the car nicely if it would please slow down, only to find out it has no manners and hates you.

But if you wake up one day in a wheelchair fear not, there is hope! Where there's a will there's a way—get a car! Hand controls are easy enough to install and any car with an automatic transmission can be fitted, and for the $50,000-$60,000 it costs to get into a new accessible van, you can get a pretty sweet ride. The tricky part lies in figuring out the steps to the delicate dance of disassembling your wheelchair and getting it in your car without causing too much damage to your interior or paint. Another helpful tip: live somewhere that it NEVER SNOWS. There is nothing worse than tearing a snow covered chair down and pulling it across your body into your car— may I recommend Austin, TX? Assuming you can do this, you can be freed from the awful monotony of driving a loaded down, expensive, unresponsive minivan monstrosity with a ramp that works sometimes.

My hand control setup has the brake and accelerator to the left of the steering wheel with a tri-pin knob for steering. In order to drive, all I have to do is pull down on the hand control (left of the steering wheel) to accelerate and push forward to brake. The hand controls attach directly to the pedals leaving them unobstructed, so it is easy for an able bodied person to drive my car if need be. It takes a couple of hours to master and then you're ready to hit the streets!

After 6 years of minivan hell I made the big switch to the magical car world and I'm happier than a pig in… a new car. Here is my new 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T, couldn't be happier!

Hopefully this has shed some light on the world of disabled driving options, and I welcome any questions you all may have!

Tom McParland > Jeff Butler 03/15/2014 at 19:52

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This is a great write up! I just made you an author on Oppositelock. Please republish this post on Monday when we get some more traffic. All you have to do is "edit" the post change the time/date and publish to "Oppositelock"

Tom McParland > Jeff Butler 03/15/2014 at 19:55

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I hate people that do this. We area always tempted to open the ramp on the car, but don't want to risk damaging the ramp.

Jeff Butler > Tom McParland 03/15/2014 at 20:15

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great man, thanks for your help!

Jeff Butler > Tom McParland 03/15/2014 at 20:17

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I did it once to a motorcycle that was parked too close. My ramp knocked it over and then I got in my van and drove away. I'm calling that a success.

thebigbossyboss > Jeff Butler 03/15/2014 at 22:59

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Hahaha amazing!!

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:25

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Awesome writeup man, and welcome to the family, we're a nice bunch most of the time and ever nicer when we're not our usual self :)

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:25

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Congrats on your new car and having a fun ride!

Also, fuck Mr. Holmes.

Jeff Butler > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 03/17/2014 at 11:26

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Thanks, for the welcome, I've been a long time lurker but just got inspired to post!

thebigbossyboss > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:28

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Now we must know what each of these do-dads does. What does this do-dad do?

Jeff Butler > thebigbossyboss 03/17/2014 at 11:29

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That do-dad is the tri-pin! It let's me steer with one hand. It's funny looking because my hand function is just awful. I put my wrist through the two pins on the bottom, and grab on to the one on the top

thebigbossyboss > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:32

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Thanks!! I bascially thought one of each of those was the accelerator, brake and clutch. Man, I am kind of an idiot hahaha.

Jeff Butler > thebigbossyboss 03/17/2014 at 11:33

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You have no idea how often fast food employees as me about it..

crown victor victoria > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/17/2014 at 11:34

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The Case of the Ill-Mannered Skylark

Bad Idea Hat > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:34

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Damn. This is your first article here? Very, very awesome.

I really don't understand the laziness that goes into parking in a spot that is clearly not a spot just to safe a few seconds and some breath.

crown victor victoria > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:38

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Awesome post, and welcome to Oppo! Love to hear more about the Challenger, too.

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:40

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What you need is a vehicle that's a sawzall away from being accessible from the factory:

Just add a door at the rear of cab and you're in.

Jeff Butler > crown victor victoria 03/17/2014 at 11:40

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Thanks! I'm trying to decide if I want to keep it stock or spend some money and make it loud and faster...

Jeff Butler > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 03/17/2014 at 11:43

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Not to mention this is exponentially cooler than a minivan

crown victor victoria > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:46

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It's always tempting to modify. I know if I had $5k laying around I would do all kinds of things to my car. More just to do them, not so much because it would actually enhance performance. It's a base MKVI Golf, so there's really not very much performance to unlock in the first place.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > crown victor victoria 03/17/2014 at 11:49

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Hopefully the local constabulary can get to the bottom of the case quickly with a phone call.

jaguarenvy > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 11:57

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I was really hoping the accelerator/brake was going to be an airplane throttle looking device.

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 12:13

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So the holder type thing on the steering wheel is to ensure you don't lose grip since you're turning/holding single-handed? Or is that because your right hand needs additional help? sorry if that comes across as dickish. Just curious.

Also, welcome to Oppo!

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 12:22

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>$35,000

What the fuck?

Jeff Butler > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 03/17/2014 at 12:23

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and there is basically no resale value on them either

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 12:24

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....

I'm speechless. I thought it costs less?

Jeff Butler > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 03/17/2014 at 12:25

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not diskish at all! It's a mix of both actually. If I had totally normal hand function I could probably get away without having a knob at all, but because I have impairment, steering with one hand would be super difficult without it. Thanks!

Jeff Butler > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 03/17/2014 at 12:34

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accessible vans? unfortunately not.. my blue van, the one you see in the top picture's sticker price was ~$55,000. There are some needs based government grants available, but not everyone qualifies

David E. Davis > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:07

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Somewhat like the steering wheel knobs of yore.

ncasolowork2 > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:09

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So what happens to the 221B? You sit and wait til he shows up and make him feel like an ass? Call the cops get him towed? deflate each of his tires about 8psi to make his car ride like crap? Stuff a banana in his tailpipe?

emilminty drives an E30 but the '89 Cavalier blew a head gasket > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:09

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FIFY. And very cool Challenger.

Ivan Moore Bacon Wright II > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:09

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Way to go, Sherlock.

Patrick George > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:10

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Yeah, fuck that guy.

AdmiralAkbar > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:11

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Hooo. Knocking over a bike is way more damaging than just dinging a car - you were totally justified, but man that person must have been PISSED. They'll never do that again.

You had fordboy357 at "meat tornado" > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:12

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Have you seen the Tiger Racing Mustang Cobra race car? All hand controls.

http://www.mustang50magazine.com/featuredvehicl…

Jeff Butler > ncasolowork2 03/17/2014 at 14:12

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I love all these suggestions. I make a game out of making people feel bad about it though.. I'll wait for them to come back to their car and then ensure them that it's "no problem at all, I'm sure you really need that spot."

DipodomysDeserti > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:12

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I had a buddy who parked his motorcycle in the stripes next to the handicap spot once at the mall we worked at. They were painted white, which is the same color all the stripes in the lot were painted, even the ones we were allowed to park our bikes in. He came out to a $600 ticket at the end of the night.

StalePhish > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:16

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Aw, so if the gas/brake is the same lever, that means you can't do burnouts? :(

Does it automatically center to idle when you release it? Or does it stay put like a boat throttle?

parmesan > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:16

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how exactly do you get in and out of the challenger with your chair?

bpromersberger > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:16

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So the accelerator/brake control set up... you pull down to accelerate and push forward to brake? Could you theoretically do both at the same time and achieve a "left-foot-braking" of sorts?

comeandgo > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:16

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You can almost never go wrong with loud and fast! (Almost)

Jeff Butler > StalePhish 03/17/2014 at 14:18

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there is some tricky mechanics involved, but I figured out how to do it!

step 1: push forward

step 2: pull down* this part is extra tricky though because the hand controls are trying to keep you from doing this

step 3: profit!

Jonathon Klein > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:18

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Loud and faster is always a good thing, at least wet our whistles and do some smoky smoky burnouts! Also great post!

cazzyodo > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:19

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I'm going to just say it...

DAT CHALLENGER

Great write up, by the way. Enjoy your baby.

Reigntastic > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:20

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PFFT, automatic Challenger...

I kid, I kid! That's seriously the coolest handicap accessible vehicle I've ever seen. Good for you on escaping minivan hell.

DatBomb > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:20

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My brother in law is in the same boat. a quad with minimal hand functions. The problem for him here in NJ is handicapped parking permits are handed out like lollipops at the bank and parking is always taken up. If you walk, you're not handicapped. call me ignorant but some people need the space more than your MS patient doctors.

Jeff Butler > parmesan 03/17/2014 at 14:20

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I transfer into my car, pull each wheel off and put it behind the passenger seat. Once I have the wheels off I pull the frame across my body and center console and it rides next to me in the passenger seat. Reverse order for getting it back out

Torgen > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:20

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You ever track that thing? I ask because I saw someone in a wheelchair at a NASA track day driving a car with hand controls about 2 years ago.

NipperDawg > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:20

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I have found the largest offender in parking in the blue zebra stripes (locally) are other handicaped drivers, and usually little old ladies. I am not in a wheel chair, but do need a full door swing to get in or out of the car. More then once I have gotten shut out of my car because of this. Since I am neither old nor a little old lady the offending drivers basically give the finger when I say something. I Imagine you too have the same issue now.

May I ask a question I am always curious about? Is it a real PITA to get the wheelchair and you into the car? I have often wondered about that part, and if it is harder in a 2dr car vs a 4dr car. There was a ime I had to seriously look at this possibility.

Jeff Butler > DatBomb 03/17/2014 at 14:21

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I totally agree! I wish there was a system where there was "close parking" for people with disabilities that don't require the additional space that an actual "handicapped spot" requires

Canofminus > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:22

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I can't stand it when people park in the handicap load zone and just don't give a shit, it drives me absolutely crazy when I see people do that at the gym because they can't be bothered to walk an extra 20 yards.

Jeff Butler > Torgen 03/17/2014 at 14:22

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I would love to but I haven't yet had the opportunity, I'm a little afraid of the cost too.. tires and stress on my car?

dreygata > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:22

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This is exactly the reason I get scared to park there on my bike. I'd call you a jerk, but it was just a jerk reaction to a jerk parking job, so I can't call you that.

That being said, I sometimes wish it WAS legal to park on sidewalks and stuff, just because I'm terrified someone will hit my bike, regardless of how it's situated in the space. (I currently park at the very back of the space where you can see me long before you try to pull in).

Xedicon > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:24

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Greetings and welcome to Jalopoland! Great post! I'm very happy you're able to rock a sweet ride rather than be stuck with a minivan. Curious question - what do you do with your chair when getting into the Challenger? Honestly just wondering, hope that's not rude to ask. Main reason why I ask is that I've driven a Challenger and even though the interior space is huge I could see how it still wouldn't lend itself very well to putting away a wheelchair.

Also, do you have a "regular" chair or were you able to score one of those lightweight racing type chairs? I don't think those ones fold down (not sure) but they sure are light!

Anyways thanks for sharing your experience and take care!

parmesan > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:24

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that's awesome man, have you thought about (or already have) taken it to the track?

Jeff Butler > NipperDawg 03/17/2014 at 14:25

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Hey Joe, I had a lot of problems getting in and out of my buddies 4dr cars. Because my challenger is a 2dr, I have more space to assemble the chair. There is definitely a couple weeks when it is difficult to get in and out, but I don't even realize the extra time it takes me anymore. HIGHLY recommended, do you use a rampvan now?

Jeff Butler > parmesan 03/17/2014 at 14:25

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I really want to, worried about costs though.. tires and stress on my car I imagine

Dolemite > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:26

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I used to write parking tickets. Parking in the designated lines beside a handicap spot was exactly the same fine as illegally parking in the handicap spot, much to the dismay of many illegally parked people.

Chubby_Nemo > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:27

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wow, what an asshole

JKGecko > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:27

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A modified handi-capable (term?) Challenger R/T would be a show stopper, Qrugby5. I'd be more than interested in spending time at your car at a show as opposed to walking by at a slow pace.

GaiusFlavius > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:28

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This is a time when these would come in handy;

Jeff Butler > Xedicon 03/17/2014 at 14:28

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Thanks for the welcome! After I get in, I pull the wheels off and put them in the back seat, once the wheels are off I pull the frame across my body to keep it in the passenger seat and it is much much more manageable. My chair itself doesn't fold, but it is quite lightweight!

Jeff Butler > JKGecko 03/17/2014 at 14:29

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maybe I'll put some serious thought into some modifications, any suggestions?

GrauGeist > Tom McParland 03/17/2014 at 14:30

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I hope you at least take a moment to key the everliving shit out of those cars before you go.

SquirrelyWrath > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:30

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Yet another reason for self driving cars. So selfish lazy assholes can't park right next to a fucking handicap space like this.

Jeff Butler > Canofminus 03/17/2014 at 14:31

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I love the irony of parking in a handicapped spots at a gym... so you can be close... so you don't have to walk as far.... and then get on a treadmill

GrauGeist > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 03/17/2014 at 14:32

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Low volume customization is expensive. And these include a low volume production articulated ramp machine that can safely lift a 300-lb person. Not cheap.

NipperDawg > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:37

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NO. Luckily through sheer bullhededness lots of physical therapy and whatever God is popular these days i can walk. I had a really bad car accident followed up by a botched spinal surgery, then a surgery to fix the botched one. Lots of Physical therapy, and lots of pain to this day but I can walk and ride a bike (with electrical assistance) but have lost a lot too. Doctors are amazed as what I can do as I fell into that "shrug" category after the botched surgery. I think the scientific term is "we have no fuckin idea what is going to happen as we have never seen this before". But I do need a full door swing to get in and out of a car. I have huge porblems getting into the back seats of cars (or low slung seats) and SUVs as I dont bend that way anymore. I have paralyzed outer leg muscles where there is no stability. My torso doesnt twist to the left like it does to the right, hence my getting stranded if I cant fully open the door.

beman3 > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:37

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People can go ahead and call me a dick if they want, but when I see people who do this I call the non-emergency police number and inform the local constabulary about it.

I'm not handicapped, but as someone who took care of an elder relative that was, this and parking in handicap spots because you are too lazy to walk 15 feet drives me insane. I recently had a new neighbor move in who was doing this. I gave him the benefit of the doubt for the first day (maybe moving stuff in) but after 3 days of parking in between the spots I picked up the phone and he ended up with a $250 ticket. Making their wallets hurt is the only way these a-hole will learn to stop.

'olJackBurtonAlwaysSays > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:37

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I drove hand controls once a few years back on a '80 something Camero IROC. I only had to move it around the shop, but it was a very interesting experience. I wouldn't have felt comfortable taking it on the streets, but it made me appreciate what is possible for disabled drivers. Like having sweet rides. Congratulations on the Challanger, Qrugby5!

DeafeningAwesomeness > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:38

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Here's a possible follow-up: Exciting and Creative Ways Businesses Screw Up Accessible Parking." I'd be happy to share some of my pictures for the article.

Jeff Butler > DeafeningAwesomeness 03/17/2014 at 14:39

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my favorite I have seen has been when they have 2 handicapped spots for a lot with 200 cars

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:40

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The answer is always Corvair:

JKGecko > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:40

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Start here: http://www.challengertalk.com/ then get to know the people who know that car inside and out. Let them know what your challenges and limitations (physical and monetary) are and if they're good people, they'll guide you along. Worst case scenario, you'll learn more about your car than you even knew there was to learn about. A little knowledge goes a long way, as I'm sure you know, to saving money and appreciating your car even more than you do now.

NipperDawg > NipperDawg 03/17/2014 at 14:41

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PS. I have been told I am one good fall from being back where I have to look at those possibilities, so it is always in the back of my mind.

cazzyodo > cazzyodo 03/17/2014 at 14:41

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As a follow-up, my girlfriend read your post and loves the perspective you brought and openness to everyone's questions. She also said that you're awesome and your car is sick.

(I'm basically posting the comment for her cuz she doesn't have an account)

Thunder > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:43

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Honest question here:
My local supermarket has two pairs of handicapped parking spaces, each pair with a no parking zone between them. Each also has a single non-handicapped spot on the side closest to the store, up against the edge of the island.

So, from the store, it's two iterations of: island, regular parking, handicapped parking, no parking (exit and ramp to sidewalk for handicapped vehicles), second handicapped parking, more regular parking.

My question is: I always feel a little bad taking that closest regular parking spot. Should I?

I always park as tight as possible (maybe 3" maximum) from the island, so that makes for more room for anyone using the handicapped spot next to me. Also, one of those spots is filled maybe 1% of the time I've been there; I can't recall ever seeing more than one of the four occupied.

I darn well don't want to inconvenience someone who needs those spots. I don't think I am, but what would your take be?

klurejr > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:45

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My wife use to do care taking for a Quadriplegic man who had hand controls in his RX-8. I am glad to see you finally got a car you really like.

I have a question for you, how often would you report this kinda of idiot parking to the police? I am pretty sure they can get the full fine of parking in a Handicapped spot for parking over those lines.

Malforus > David E. Davis 03/17/2014 at 14:45

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Yup first thought was the old suicide knobs.

Jeff Butler > Thunder 03/17/2014 at 14:46

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For me, closeness isn't an issue. The biggest deal is having the space to fully open my door up all the way. It sounds like you're being considerate by staying close to the island so I grant you a clear conscious! Park on, my friend.

parmesan > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:46

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yea, if you were to want to continue especially. you may be able to contact your "local" NASA or SCCA region and see if you could do a single session. even just 20 minutes on the track will get you hooked, but then, of course, Miata is the answer :-)

SilverBRADo totaled his beigeslushboxmatrix > Tom McParland 03/17/2014 at 14:48

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At least if you have another driver with you, maybe you can back the van out, (blocking traffic, too bad), lower the ramp, load, raise ramp, and go, but you never know if there is another driver. And of course, EVEN IF IT ISN'T A CONVERSION VAN, IT STILL ISN'T A PARKING SPACE. SOME PEOPLE THAT DON'T HAVE RAMPS STILL NEED EXTRA SPACE TO LOAD AND UNLOAD.

Jeff Butler > klurejr 03/17/2014 at 14:48

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In my 10 years of wheelchair life I haven't ever called the cops on anyone. Mostly this has been because I would rather just get to where I'm going than sit around, wait for the cops, fill out a report, etc.

However, I take joy in calling the university parking cops on people because all I have to do is give them a tip there is a vehicle parked without a permit!

MrEvil > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:51

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People that do this are dicks. I might park close to the hash area to give the person on the opposite side a break, but I will make sure my mirror is on my side of the line.

borderline > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:51

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Parking in a handicap spot when you don't need it makes me stabby.

Jeff Butler > SilverBRADo totaled his beigeslushboxmatrix 03/17/2014 at 14:52

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In this situation I had some random person back it out and do this exact thing for me.

ASEp2 > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:53

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Karma will take care of that in time...... One day, you're blocking an accessible van with your rice-rocket, and a few days after your months of recovery are complete, you are driving a brand-new accessible van, and some jackass on a rice-rocket is blocking YOU in.....

J-Tenno > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:54

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Motorcycles are the worst, really, I have seen countless times a 50cc scooter take the space of a car and here in Europe, especially so in the southern part of Spain, it can get painful to find a parking space.

It just makes me feel like kicking down the moped when it's parked right on dead center of the 16 feet parking space.

idontgetburneratkinja > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:56

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At school. we have blue-lined spots, but no diagonal blue lines adjacent to them. On either side of the blue lines is a normal space, and then the white lines , as usual.

Able-bodied and having parked next to the blue spaces, I'm sure that I'm a douche, but unsure if it's because of my parking.

I despise people who abuse the systems set up for those who truly need them, but we've encouraged a nasty culture of self-importance in our country.

SilverBRADo totaled his beigeslushboxmatrix > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 14:58

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That is fortunate, but still sucks.

GoPadge > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:01

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I've always been tempted to "accidentally" hit those cars....

autojim > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:02

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Go for it. Look up the Solo or autocross contact for your local SCCA region and give 'em a chat. Most regions are generally happy to welcome folks with mobility problems — when I was in Detroit, we had a couple of quadraplegics who autocrossed with us in the '90s/early '00s, another guy ran out of Chicago in a C4 ZR1 Corvette (with a custom-rigged pneumatic actuator for the clutch pedal actuated by switches on the hand control - one bled through an orifice for a "street start", the other was just a dump valve - he'd release the switch and BOOM. Drag start. Great for Pro Solo), and there's a guy running an STU Acura Integra in wheel-to-wheel Club Racing... and those are just the folks I'm aware of off the top of my head.

The one thing I would caution you about is making sure you're secure in the seat - get a harness bar and fit a 4- or 5-point harness for autocross/track activities. The factory 3-point won't cut it when you can't use your legs/arms to hold you in the chair. Since the Challenger has a roof, that shouldn't be a problem from a rules perspective in SCCA Solo — open-topped cars need to have a roll structure to be able to use non-OEM belts (this is to reduce the chance of... paralysis in the unlikely event of a rollover. Its' kinda silly, IMO, but I understand why it's there).

bsbuitron > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:04

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There's a special place in hell for you, sir. May you burn in agony.

David E. Davis > Malforus 03/17/2014 at 15:05

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Second thought...Ree-Yees

ncasolowork2 > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:09

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I'm a big fan of the deflate the tires idea. It'll hurt his fuel economy and hurt his wallet.

klurejr > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:11

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I can totally understand not having time to sit around and wait for the cops and fill out a report.... but certainly you can call in and leave a tip call with the local police and then head on your merry way. If the police arrive in time they most certainly do not need a statement from you or anyone else to write a ticket.

Matt Brown > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:13

2

I always used to go to lunch with a paraplegic coworker at a previous job, and I very quickly understood how difficult simple things like parking can be when someone is an asshole.

I have a handicapped permit now because of a broken leg, and I don't use it if there is only one handicapped spot, because if someone in one of these vans shows up, they are SOL.

Jeff Butler > Matt Brown 03/17/2014 at 15:14

1

The world needs more people like you!

SilverBRADo totaled his beigeslushboxmatrix > AdmiralAkbar 03/17/2014 at 15:17

1

If he or she even understood why it happened. The knuckledragger may not be able to connect the dots.

TimF101 > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:23

0

1. The ticket is often crazy expensive.

That seems to do the job for most people. For those few who still don't get it, well, the good lord created keys for just such an occasion.

zombiEinstein > Jeff Butler 03/17/2014 at 15:28

0

I bought a brand new 13 challenger r/t last year. I have to say that I have been loving it as well and have just started to look into further mods as well!