Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS) Activity in Paratransit Vehicles, 2012

The purpose of this study was to characterize wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint system (WTORS) usage on paratransit vehicles. A retrospective review of on-board video monitoring recordings of trips by passengers seated in Wheeled Mobility Devices (WhMDs) was conducted. Data was collected from March through October, 2012. The study was conducted using two paratransit vehicles within one metropolitan area. Along with general information about the WhMDs and other equipment used by the passengers, details of the passengers' access and use of the vehicle were recorded. Details of WTORS usage including number of tiedowns and restraints used, attachment points to the WhMD and the vehicle floor, and any improper usage were recorded. Instability of the WhMD and incidents observed while the vehicle was in motion, along with contributing factors, were recorded and described.