STEERING EFFICIENCY: THE EFFECT OF STEERING WHEEL ANGLE ON THE STRENGTH ABILITIES OF PEOPLE WITH UPPER LIMB WEAKNESS

This experimental study investigated the effect of steering wheel angle on the effort applied to the steering wheel in a group of people with upper limb weakness. Steering torque was measured at different points on the steering wheel circumference by means of a static rig fitted with a steering wheel adjustable from the vertical to the horizontal. It was found that steering torque increased as the angle of the steering wheel approached the horizontal, but not significantly for some people until the steering rake angle reached 75 degrees. This indicates that the limited steering rake adjustment available as a standard feature on some cars is unlikely to make a significant difference to the steering strength of some people with upper limb weakness. It also implies that the steering wheel should be brought closer to the body, indicating that the radius of the steering wheel should be reduced.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09684093
• Corporate Authors:

  TRL

  Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
• Authors:
  • SIMMS, B
  • ELLISON, B
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 13 p.
• Serial:
  • TRL PROJECT REPORT
  • Issue Number: PR 59
  • Publisher: TRL
  • ISSN: 0968-4093

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Design; Driving; Economic efficiency; Persons with disabilities; Steering wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 9011: Design (overall design); 1726: Disabled person; 1855: Driving (veh); 5911: Efficiency; 1307: Steering wheel
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00663289
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Aug 24 1994 12:00AM