Your Life: Solutions for Better Living

How to Get In and Out of a Car
by Lissa Poirot

Getting in and out of a car can take the joy out of the joyride. Whether you are going to the theatre or running errands, there are ways to make the getting-in-and-out part of driving easier. Try these tips:

• Use a swivel maneuver. Back yourself into your car and swing your legs into a forward-facing position. Do the reverse to get out. There are swivel seats you can install to make this even easier.
• Buy a beaded seat cover, which not only makes long drives more comfortable, but also helps you "roll" in and out of your seat.
• Grab the car's interior handles to balance yourself on the way in or pull yourself when getting out. Install grab handles if your vehicle doesn't have any or has them in the wrong spot.
• Add running boards to your car or choose vehicles with them so your step in and out of a car is smaller and more manageable. 

Great idea! Try this simple -- and cheap -- tip from Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Ill., 47, who has psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia: "I place a large trash bag on the seat to help me get in and out of the car because it slides with me."