New automatic wheelchair securement system launched
Florida (US), October 17, 2013
Q’Straint, a leader in the field of transportation safety serving customers in more than 50 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Australasia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, has introduced Quantum, the transportation industry’s first fully automatic rear-facing wheelchair securement station designed for virtually any bus or rail car.
The revolutionary new product was developed by combining transportation insight, intelligent technology and a pioneering new approach to securement, said a statement from the US-based company.
After boarding a bus or rail car, Quantum allows wheelchair and scooter passengers to position their chair and by simply pushing a button to secure themselves in a stable and safe rear-facing position without driver assistance. The process takes under 25 seconds.
“In addition to ensuring the highest level of passenger safety, keeping buses on schedule and preventing tip-overs, Quantum provides a more respectful experience to the process of wheelchair securement,” explained Bob Joseph, the Q’Straint VP of Business Development.
“Now safe securement and release is fully automated,” he added.
In the past, drivers would take additional time to affix straps to harness the chair, potentially invading the passenger’s personal space, stated Joseph.
With Quantum, all passengers are treated equally. Wheelchair users have the freedom to board the vehicle and automatically secure their mobility device without assistance.
With the push of a button, Quantum’s arms move into position and secure wheelchairs and scooters by capturing the wheels – and then continually adjusts grip as needed throughout the journey.
“One of our goals is ensuring the integration of people with disabilities into society -- and transportation is a key enabler,” said Jim Franklin, an advocate with the Action Committee of People with disAbilities.
“No one enjoys being singled out when a driver must come back and secure a wheelchair because it always takes time. People with disabilities just want to get on the bus and go,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service