Automotive Adaptive Driver Controls (AADC) for Persons With Physical Disabilities

"1.1.1 This Standard specifies performance requirements for all types of automotive adaptive driving control (AADC) systems, including those commonly known as quick-release and portable hand cont rols. These controls allow persons with physical disabilities to drive vehicles. It also specifies design, construction, and installation requirements and tests to be carried out after an AADC has been installed in a vehicle. 1.1.2 This Standard establishes a uniform procedure for assuring the manufactured quality, installed utility, and service per formance of certain AADCs. These products function as adaptive appliances to compensate for lost or reduced performance in the arms or legs, or both, of the driver. 1.1.3 In this Standard, ""shall"" indicates a mandatory requirement; ""should"" indicates a recommendation which is advised but not mandatory. Notes accompanying clauses do not include mandatory or alternative requirements. The purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material that is not properly a part of the Standard. Notes to figures and tables are considered to be part of the figure or table and are written as mandatory requirements. 1.2 Inclusions This Standard is specifically concerned with those mechanical and electrical products that are intended by the manufacturer to (a) be added to, or substituted for, the vehicle control such as pedals, wheels, levers, knobs, and switches; and (b) rely on the operator as the only source of activating force. 1.3 Exclusions This Standard specifically excludes any AADC which does not satisfy Cl ause 1.1, or which, in order to be installed in the vehicle, requires the removal or alteration of a vehicle component that is normally mounted outside the occupant space (on the fire wall, chassis, or engine). It also excludes electromechanical-type AADCs, equipment provided by the vehicle manufacturer, and accessory controls (see Clause 1.4.2). 1.4 Classification 1.4.1 This Standard establishes three control groupings, based on the potential safety consequences of product failure. The groups are listed in descending order of importance to safety. 1.4.2 Primary Controls 1.4.2.1 General Primary controls are those driving controls whose use are frequently or continuously required to maintain operational control of the vehicle or its functions. 1.4.2.2 Group A Primary Controls Group A Primary controls are the driver-operated controls which directly affect the direction and speed of the moving vehicle. These include the steering, brake, and accelerator controls. All clauses of this Standard are applicable to Group A primary controls. 1.4.2.3 Group B Primary Controls Group B Primary controls are the driver-operated controls which are essential to the coordinated and safe operation of the vehicle in traffic situations. These include the ignition/starter switch, gear selector, parking brake, turn indicator lever, hazard flasher, horn, wiper/washer, defroster control, mirror, master lighting switch, and headlight dimmer. All clauses of this Standard, except Clauses 7 and 8, apply to Group B primary controls. 1.4.3 Accessory Controls Accessory controls are the driver- or passenger-operable automotive adaptive controls that regulate the environment of the vehicle rather than vehicle movement. These include the heater/air conditioner, window regulator, seat belts, vent, sun visor, seat positioner, radio, door lock, cigarette lighter, and any controls associated with mobility aid lifts, door openers, wheel chair securement, etc. This Standard is not intended to be used for accessory controls, but many of the design and operating principles are applicable."