In the last few years there have been numerous advances and innovations in the field of products and services designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. One of the advances that have made life much easier for individuals with disabilities recently are products known as wheelchair tiedowns.

Before wheelchair tiedowns came onto the scene, it was quite difficult for persons who relied on wheelchairs to take public transportation or even bus transportation provided by school districts for school age students. The most common way for persons with disabilities to ride on a bus was sideways. Instead of facing forward, the person would be required to face the aisle or middle of the bus with the wheelchair tied down or secured with all manner of inappropriate products, including belts, bungie cords and even pins that were rammed through the wheel rims of the wheelchair.

In order to then keep the occupant 'safely' seated in the wheelchair, they might then be restrained with belts that were placed horizontally across their waist and chest. Needless to say, this was not a good situation and something had to be done. In the event of a frontal crash, this was a very dangerous situation for wheelchair bound individuals. The solution was wheelchair tiedowns.

Today there are specific requirements governing the design and performance for wheelchair tiedowns. Specifically, wheelchair tiedowns much demonstrate performance when used with a wheelchair weighing at least 187 pounds and 170 pound individual. In test situations, crashes are simulated at 30 mph with frontal impact.

When shopping, you will probably find there are several different types of wheelchair tiedowns. One of the most common is what is known as a docking style wheelchair tiedown. This style product allows the portions of the wheelchair to actually engage and lock with components that are mounted to the vehicle. This is a very quick and simple to use type of wheelchair tiedown. There are disadvantages to this type of product; however.

It can be expensive and it is not appropriate for situations in which there will be more than one wheelchair user riding in the vehicle. Ideally, this type of wheelchair tiedown is really only appropriate for a family vehicle; however, in some cases; the high cost may be prohibitive to such uses.

Other types of wheelchair tiedown systems uses components that include a four-point, strap-type system. With this type of system there are four straps which are adjustable. These straps can then be used to attach the wheelchair to four secure points. The straps have additional floor anchors which are inserted into anchor tracks.

Floor mounted brackets may also be used. Some of the most common manufacturers of such wheelchair tiedown systems include Ancra, Kinedyne, Orthosafe and Q'Straint. You can also find wheelchair tiedown systems that use a four point tiedown with a three point belt system for the lap and shoulder. While these systems are generally much cheaper than the docking style wheelchair tiedown systems, the biggest disadvantage is that they can be cumbersome, difficult and time consuming to use. They are appropriate for use in vehicles in which there will be more than wheelchair user; however.