The Dangers of Temporary Hand Controls for Cars

Discover the hidden dangers and hazards of temporary hand controls for cars that may put you and others on the road at risk. In this guide we detail how these devices have the very real potential to lead to dangerous accidents and costly repairs as well as exploring the importance of choosing quality hand controls from reputable suppliers.

What Are Temporary Hand Controls for Cars?

Temporary hand controls also known as portable hand controls assist with operating a car’s accelerator and brake function via hand rather than by foot. As they only take a few minutes to fit and remove, they can make an ideal solution for those who drive with permanent hand controls when on holiday, test driving cars, or driving a friend or family member’s car on the rare occasion. These controls, from a reputable vehicle adaptations company, are a temporary measure only suitable for short-term use. 

Because of the low-cost design of these and the cost-saving appeal, they have become an increasingly desired solution for those looking to drive with hand controls. But many do not know the real dangers of choosing these cheap controls as a permanent driving solution.

The Risks Associated with Cheaper Temporary Hand Controls

Most portable hand controls for cars, particularly the ones found via online marketplaces, are built with substandard and flimsy materials. This, along with their overall design, increases the risk of rust and components falling off. 

Their method of installation by clamping a couple of wing nuts onto the foot pedals, causes them to become loose very quickly with repetitive use. This lack of reliability for daily use or during long-distance driving is a huge safety concern as they can come off completely while driving. The results of this can be catastrophic, evidenced below as we share a real story submitted to us.

The Hidden Costs of Cutting Corners

A case study submitted to us, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to ongoing battles, would like to share their experience as a warning to other disabled drivers.  

“Earlier this year I bought a second vehicle, and as a disabled driver I needed hand controls for it. I have substantial hand controls fitted to my everyday vehicle which I have never had any problems with. However, to try and save some money I decided to buy a set of hand controls off the Internet and picked up a set for £175 from eBay. I then paid somebody £100 to fit them. The fitter did comment that these weren’t the usual style he fitted and to be truthful he didn’t seem that impressed with them.

Two weeks after having them fitted I took a long drive to the coast for a day of training. The first hour or so of driving with these new hand controls was OK but the thumb style accelerator was a bit of a strain on my hand. There was a lot of start and stop driving and after a while the acceleration started to feel a little bit juddery.

I was doing about 50 mph when the traffic started to slow down. As I pressed to brake, the hand controls went very loose and partially came away from the pedals. Somehow I managed to swerve the traffic in front of me and get on to the inside lane, where I slowed down to about 15 mph using the cruise control. But I could not stop completely and ended up going into the back of a stationary lorry.

Fortunately the lorry was not damaged to any extent but the front of my vehicle was a mess. I ended up being recovered by the AA who’s driver told me that this was not the first time this had happened with these kinds of hand controls.

I now have a vehicle that is undrivable and will cost nearly £3000 to put right. I am also having a battle with my insurance company who are refusing to pay out for the crash as they describe the hand controls as ‘not fit for purpose’. They have said that they were fitted correctly,, but the method used to clamp them on to the pedals would not stand the rigour of everyday driving or heavy braking. 

I have sought independent advice from a couple of motoring experts who have described the quality of material used on the hand controls, and the method of clamping to the pedals as ‘poor to fair’. Both stated that they were nowhere near the quality of most hand controls being sold in the UK currently by professional organisations.

Please let my experience serve as a warning for all the disabled drivers looking to cut costs. I was lucky that there were no serious injuries, or even worse”.

The Importance of Investing in Quality Hand Controls

Prioritising reliability and durability by investing in high-quality, professionally fitted hand controls is imperative to ensure the safety of yourself, passengers and others on the roads and avoid disastrous accidents and unexpected costs. The upfront purchase provides long-term cost savings compared to the risks of cheaper options. 

At Mobility in Motion, we only supply hand controls from trusted, reputable manufacturers such as Brig-Ayd Controls, BraunAbility, BAS and Veigel to ensure quality, safety and reliability. As a proud vehicle adaptations specialist, all of our hand control prices are inclusive of our end-to-end service including advice, assessment, installation and after-care support as well as a 3 year warranty on the product for added peace of mind. Discover a pricing breakdown of our industry-leading hand controls for further information.

Tips for Disabled Drivers Choosing Hand Controls

When searching for a hand control solution, always do your research to find reputable manufacturers and installers. We recommend utilising the Association of Vehicle Adaptation Manufacturers (AVAM) as a resource to find trusted manufacturers of vehicle adaptations within the UK. AVAM members work collaboratively on safety, training and stringent standards ensuring end-users experience both quality adaptations and customer support. Many of which, we have established strong relationships with and are proud distributors of, ensuring that our customers have access to some of the best mobility solutions available. 

Similarly, to find a reputable installer, we advise using a Motability accredited installer as these companies will have undertaken thorough training by the vehicle adaptation manufacturers to gain their certifications which is then approved by the Motability Scheme.  

We would also encourage you to utilise review platforms such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews as these help to provide valuable insights and guidance from other customers about the product quality and service, enabling you to make informed purchase decisions.  And above all, avoid a “too good to be true” deal.

Final Thoughts: Safety Should Always Come First

Temporary hand controls for cars may seem like a quick and convenient fix, but they often come with serious risks and reduced vehicle control. The temptation of cost-cutting should never overshadow the sanctity of safety, please let the submitted experience serve as a warning for all disabled drivers looking to cut costs.

Share your experiences with temporary hand controls with us so together we can raise awareness. Your story could help others understand the risks involved and emphasise why safety must always come first over budget constraints. 

For high-quality hand controls, expert advice, professional fitting and a caring customer experience, get in touch with our team. So you can experience the freedom of independent driving, without compromising on safety.