foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.html
Those might work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
From an engineering standpoint, I actually think Honda is ahead of the curve.
What is the limit?
Should they have to fit 500 lb people? How about 700? It's pretty obvious that any design parameter would be challenged without limits, and the safety would be compromised.
It's kind of an "under-the-radar" issue, but it strikes at the core of the logical error in the ADA. You CAN'T accommodate every disability, but we must.
SVreX wrote:foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose would work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
OK, then what about equipping say one seat in each row for oversize? How often would you have to make a second trip, and is that really a problem then?
foxtrapper wrote: Ah, I'm starting to see there is something with the very early ones. Interesting and perhaps useful reponses from Honda on the subject. http://www.ifisher.com/hondacontacts.asp
Good read. Thanks.
Confirmed some of my thoughts.
SVreX wrote:foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose might work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
Do you usually transport multiple people at the same time? Could you have a fat seat and a regular seat?
foxtrapper wrote:SVreX wrote:OK, then what about equipping say one seat in each row for oversize? How often would you have to make a second trip, and is that really a problem then?foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose would work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
Hmmm...Maybe.
It would still be a modified restraint system that had not been tested.
SVreX wrote:foxtrapper wrote:Hmmm...Maybe. It would still be a modified restraint system that had not been tested.SVreX wrote:OK, then what about equipping say one seat in each row for oversize? How often would you have to make a second trip, and is that really a problem then?foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose would work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
But one that the manufacturer claims has been tested to meet the applicable FMVSS.
wae wrote:SVreX wrote:Do you usually transport multiple people at the same time? Could you have a fat seat and a regular seat?foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose might work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
We always try to carry as many passengers at a time as we can, but 80-90% of our rides are solo.
That may be part of a solution.
Honestly, I think the only legit approach from a liability perspective is to refuse passengers who don't fit in standard belts. It won't be popular or nice.
You have an interesting conundrum. I'd say you either have to find a commercial set that fits or its time to shop for new vehicles more condusive to hauling oversized folk. Any home brew solution is definitely out.
SVreX wrote: No. We only ride ambulatory patients.
YEE-HAW!!
In reply to 2002maniac:
As a slight derailure to this thread, and to confirm how screwy the ADA can be - I was recently diagnosed with Adult-ADHD, and was surprised to see this included as an ADA approved disability…
…so I asked my wife if I can apply for handicapped plates on the basis of forgetting where I parked my car. 
She was not amused. 
You say you have multiple vans? How many? Would it be feasible to buy another van for cheap? Seems that you can get the GM vans extremely cheap...
Probably not, but it seems to me that is the only way to satisfy ADA, Honda, and the passengers.
do you know who you are carting around or their size before hand or when you show up?
my wife gets to deal with the same stuff on a daily basis in a related business, and they hire out some of their transport to a local company, but they use e350's
that is your best bet. If you know who you will be lugging around ahead of time.. arrange for a vehicle that can support their... um.. heft
Refuse the service. The broker will not drop you. They will pay more to find someone who can accommodate the passenger on the rare occasions that person has an appt. It will likely be a Ford E350 with a high top.
patgizz wrote: do you know who you are carting around or their size before hand or when you show up?
Nope.
SVreX wrote:foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose might work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
Why wouldn't it? You have to pull out more than a foot of belt just to latch it over an empty seat.
JohnRW1621 wrote: Refuse the service. The broker will not drop you.
I'm not worried about that. Not a bit.
It was a bit of a hypothetical question. I wanted to see if the hive mind had any creative ideas I hadn't thought of.
Some decent ideas here. No solutions, but good partial approaches.
It does affect my thinking as I move forward and purchase other vehicles (although I think the liability remains regardless of what vehicle we drive)
Thanks guys.
Kenny_McCormic wrote:SVreX wrote:Why wouldn't it? You have to pull out more than a foot of belt just to latch it over an empty seat.foxtrapper wrote: What about this type? http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seat-belt-extender.htmlThose might work for larger passengers, but then the modified belts would not work for smaller passengers.
Because it is a modification to the OEM restraint system, and changes the geometry of the belts. It could encourage submarining. If someone was hurt because we semi-permanently modified the system, we would clearly be liable.
If you're making a living off these vehicles I think it makes sense to get newer ones.
Newer ones don't actually solve the problem, and there are no newer vehicles with similar operating cost/ size.
In reply to SVreX:
How is making the whole belt longer altering geometry? Its only when you "extend" the belt by moving the buckle away from its OE location(plug in extender) that you run into the submarining issue.
I will admit that I haven't read every response, but how about getting one vehicle dedicated for bariatric patients? We have a couple of big box ambulances around that are available on special request. It's not ideal, but financially, it's probably your best bet in the long run.
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