In the news again is the call for wheelchairs to be anchored in vehicles and particularly public transport including buses.

Over the past few years, there have been a number of incidents where wheelchairs have become unstable and even skidded about the floors of buses and trains when there is a moderate force applied such as breaking and cornering.

In Queensland Australia, a woman was traveling by bus in her electric wheelchair when it skidded across the aisle into the door as the bus negotiated a roundabout. The Australian authorities have called for compulsory restraints in buses by anchoring them to wither the floor or the wall to prevent such occurrences. Apart from possible danger to the wheelchair user, there is also potential danger to other occupants particularly where heavier electric models are in use.

Public transport should be accessible to all but also it needs to be safe. In addition, bus drivers must consider the needs of all passengers and drive with due care and attention to help avoid these instances wherever possible.