The safety of passengers in wheelchairs in special transportation services studied with interviews and assessments

It is important to provide scientific knowledge of wheelchairs as occupant-protecting seats in motor vehicles. This study aimed at examining the situation in Special Transportation Services (STS), an important mode of transport for wheelchair users in Sweden. The perceived safety levels were assessed and examined, and extensive field experience was gained. During the study in three Swedish cities onboard STS vehicles in regular operation, the observer developed an observation and questionnaire manuscript. Qualitative as well as quantitative methods were used to interpret the semi-structured data. On the one hand, the study revealed a high or very high general level of perceived safety. The trip as such was the most important factor for perceived high safety. On the other hand, however, the objective, expert-viewed safety level was regarded as unsatisfactory. The four-point wheelchair tie-down system was seldom used as intended, nor was the three-point safety belt. Methodologically, the participant approach succeeded in eliciting information with enhanced quality and dense structure, thus meeting the objectives of the study. Assessment and interview data revealed obvious similarities, and it was found that the interview method could be used to gather the passengers' perceptions of safety.