Learning From a Fall: Safety Tips for Wheelchair Users

The other day, I fell out of my wheelchair. It’s not the first time this has happened, but it was definitely the most memorable. I’ll admit, when I was younger, this was a more frequent event. Back then, I zipped around carelessly, rolling off curbs and running over balls without much regard. I was a kid in a tiny chair, low to the ground, and falls, while frustrating, weren’t too traumatic. But now, at 35, with a 300-pound electric wheelchair and a body still adjusting after having a baby, this recent fall was an ordeal.

Overlooking the possible pitfalls

It all started with the grass. Any wheelchair user will tell you that grass can be a real hazard. It’s bumpy, unpredictable, and hides small (or sometimes big) holes that can easily send a wheelchair—and its occupant—flying. My family and I had just arrived at our destination. They were getting the baby out of the car, and I decided to head over to our spot ahead of them.

I was making my way across the grassy area, minding my own business, when my front wheels hit a hidden dip. Suddenly, I was airborne, tumbling headfirst into the wet ground.

As I lay there, catching my breath, I called for help. My husband and nine-year-old son rushed over, their faces a mix of fear and concern. They saw the empty wheelchair first, and then me on the ground. It was a scary moment for all of us.

I was lucky

Luckily, I hadn’t done serious damage, but I did get some nasty scrapes on my head, bit my tongue in a few spots, and jammed my wrist—possibly fracturing my thumb. That was especially inconvenient since I was on my way to a book signing. I’m right-handed, and unfortunately, my injured thumb was on that side, so signing books was out of the question that day.

Safety tips

While this experience wasn’t fun, it did teach me some valuable lessons. Here are a few tips I’ve learned, which I hope can help other wheelchair users stay safe:

1. Wear a seatbelt

It sounds obvious, but in a wheelchair, seatbelts can feel restrictive and annoying. They’re often uncomfortable, and they can get in the way of what little movement we have. Plus, let’s face it—seatbelts aren’t exactly stylish.

But after this incident, I’m reminded how essential they are. With limited trunk and neck support, that seatbelt is now a must for me. It’s a simple way to prevent a minor bump from turning into a serious injury.

2. Be cautious on grass

Grass might look inviting, but it’s deceptively challenging for wheelchair users. If you must drive over grass, it’s smart to have someone nearby who can assist if things go south. Uneven surfaces and hidden holes make grass risky territory.

3. Don’t let falls stop you

Falling out of my chair was a harsh reminder that life with a disability has its hurdles. But I’m still here to tell the tale, with no broken bones, just a few bruises, and an even stronger determination. These things happen, and while they can be terrifying, they’re also reminders of our resilience.

So, to my fellow wheelchair users: buckle up, be careful on grass, and most importantly, don’t let the fear of falls hold you back.