If two wheelchairs/ECV's meet in the road...who has the right of way?

[rewardsinlife]

This question has kind of been bugging me lately from the last trip I took to DL. It actually happened twice!

1st time, we were going down with the WC in the Space Mountain exit, and a double wide WC was coming up. We met about half way and around a corner so it wasn't like one could back up a little bit and let the other by. Since we were going downhill(like in a car I suppose) we let the other WC..the one going uphill have the right away, and we backed up to one of the side outlets for CM's only. This one I don't think could have been avoided...so that is fine.

2nd time...this one should have been avoided. Small World, our WC was coming off of the ride, and going uphill on the ramp, while another one was coming down the hill on the ramp...again met about halfway. The CM should have not let the other WC or other people come down the ramp until everyone was up from the last trip..but they did and we got stuck. These were two regular WC's not even a double wide... and well they just don't fit on that ramp. So I stood up using the handrail/fence... and the other person who happened to be very pregnant got up as well so we could kind fold up the wheelchairs and pass each other. Neither of us could back up b/c we both had a crowd of people behind us!

Just out of curiosity, what do you feel the WC/ECV etiquette should be when running into this kind of problem? Obviously, sometimes it can't be avoided, but once you are in it, how do you fix it????

 

[RaySharpton]

This question has kind of been bugging me lately from the last trip I took to DL. It actually happened twice!

1st time, we were going down with the WC in the Space Mountain exit, and a double wide WC was coming up. We met about half way and around a corner so it wasn't like one could back up a little bit and let the other by. Since we were going downhill(like in a car I suppose) we let the other WC..the one going uphill have the right away, and we backed up to one of the side outlets for CM's only. This one I don't think could have been avoided...so that is fine.

2nd time...this one should have been avoided. Small World, our WC was coming off of the ride, and going uphill on the ramp, while another one was coming down the hill on the ramp...again met about halfway. The CM should have not let the other WC or other people come down the ramp until everyone was up from the last trip..but they did and we got stuck. These were two regular WC's not even a double wide... and well they just don't fit on that ramp. So I stood up using the handrail/fence... and the other person who happened to be very pregnant got up as well so we could kind fold up the wheelchairs and pass each other. Neither of us could back up b/c we both had a crowd of people behind us!

Just out of curiosity, what do you feel the WC/ECV etiquette should be when running into this kind of problem? Obviously, sometimes it can't be avoided, but once you are in it, how do you fix it????

Hi, rewardsinlife. I don't know the answer to your question, but i think that it is nice that you are caring about the other person. I would just do the best that you can given the situation at hand.

I own my own mobility scooter. Just speaking for myself, I always feel like I am in everyone's way, so I try to move out of the way whenever it is possible for wheelchair, scooter, crutches, cane or walker. Sometimes, it gets complicated in tight quarters when people are behind me and beside me and cannot walk past me. I can not move my scooter sideways like a walking person, but I do my best.

I think that just that you are a caring person thinking of others is the important point.

 

[ttintagel]

When one person is entering and another exiting, I would think it should be the same was as a bus or elevator. People exiting should be let out before people entering go in.

 

[RaySharpton]

When one person is entering and another exiting, I would think it should be the same was as a bus or elevator. People exiting should be let out before people entering go in.

I agree with you and this makes sense.

I have never been to Disneyland before, but I really...really...really want to go to Disneyland before I die; but I have been to the Walt Disney World Splash Mountain exit.

It is not like an elevator exit, in and out a doorway.

It has a narrow ramp up a hill, make a right turn and another hallway, then a left turn and down another hill, then a right turn toward the turnstyles to the photo TV area. In my past experince, it would be a very tight space for two wheelchairs to pass each other. Plus it is a very dark hallway and not very well lighted which is for the atmosphere of the attraction.

Even by myself with out a crowd in front of me or beside me and especially behind me, I have to be very careful about backing up.

I do try and hug the wall and peak around the corners before proceeding.

I just do the best that I can, and back up and try to get out of the way.

Every situation is different.

Most folks are very understanding.

 

[I Love Pluto]

The ECV coming AT ME always has the right-of-way. It's the same as when driving a car. If someone wishes to cut me off, feel free. It's better than getting into an accident!

 

[BillSears]

I tend to think the person who can give way easiest should do so. If I can pull off to a spot to let you go past I will. If I can back up a little to let you go through I will. But if I'm stuck then hopefully you can back up a bit and help us both out.

 

[dvc one day]

I think the two ideas that have come up that I like are:
1. Exiting person has the right-of-way
2. The person that can move the easiest moves out of the way

I think both are acceptable solutions, and it's a case of using common sense in the situation because there are slight differences for each encounter.

When I first read the title of this thread, I thought about meeting in a more open area than in a confined space like the example in the OP. I tend to be a little aggressive and make the first move to clear a space for both of us in those situations. I will frequently try to see if I can tell if the other person is experienced or maybe it's a first time user. That can make a difference in how you respond to a situation as well.

 

[cynzilla]

Often I ask myself same question and wind up laughing

 

[Piper]

To me. it is just like two people on foot. The most courteous will give way.

 

[dburg30]

To me. it is just like two people on foot. The most courteous will give way.

except is that always possible with scooters / chairs??? You cant just turn sideways and 'shuffle' past each other with a scooter or chair? Interesting question.. Sounds like they need to make it so people dont need to go in the out door, and if they do, make sure there is plenty of room

 

[North of Mouse]

Each one should just use common courtesy just as if you were on foot or pushing a stroller. There should be no "who has the right of way". Wow, what a question - sounds like you're in a car on the highway!

 

[rewardsinlife]

Each one should just use common courtesy just as if you were on foot or pushing a stroller. There should be no "who has the right of way". Wow, what a question - sounds like you're in a car on the highway!

Unfortunately, not everyone is courteous. This can be especially true at Disney when people are using a WC Or ECV for the first time. ( and before i get any flack for that statement, i am not against people using a wc for only disney or long distances..as i am one of them! )I have actually had people on Rented ECVs literally ram their way through a too small of an aisle just to get through first. I simply just wanted thoughts on an area that I found problematic at times.

Sometimes, in crowded areas it really is like rules of the highway, with quick decisions needing to be made so that both the people in the WC , ECVs and the ones on foot are not hurt!

 

[cmwade77]

Both of these situations could have been avoided by CMs communicating with each other.

But ultimately when in an unavoidable situation, I would say that the one who should do something is the one that it is easiest for.