short driver

wine13915 · Sep 28, 2003

I have a 4ft 11 inch teenager that will soon be driving. The rest of us are 5'3" to 6'1". We're looking for a new family vehicle. I have been unable to find any useful info that rates vehicles and discuss the 'issues' within the context of a short driver.

SafeDad · Sep 28, 2003

I don't have any information-

Two things to check-

First, the seatbelts should fit properly. The shoulder belt should fit over the center of the shoulder and chest, not on the arm or neck. The lap belt should be high on the thighs or low on the hips. At 4'11", most cars should be OK.

The second thing is to make sure they can be seated at least 10" from the airbag in the steering wheel, preferably more. A few cars have adjustable foot pedals if this is a problem.

Obviously, all the other considerations of a vehicle are also important. Good visibility all around, good handling, etc. Also see our new vehicle recommendations page:

http://www.suvsafety.info

Good luck!

Unregistered · Dec 6, 2003

Small people beware!

Even if you sit more than10 inches away from the airbag (which is why that measurement is given) & it deploys- the airbags impact- designed to protect a 6 foot man, hitting him in the chest, will hit you directly in the head.
At the speed that these bags deploy- it can give you a heck of a head injury.

It's VERY important to raise the seat. Use a cushion.

I know these facts- as my 15 year old SMALL daughter was hit in the head with head with an airbag in a MINOR accident. She will forever suffer from grand mal seizures because of the head injury she recieved FROM THE AIRBAG. She was doing all that was required- wearing her belts properly, sitting more than a foot from the bag.

Pleasae don't let this happen to you or a loved one.

SafeDad · Dec 7, 2003

It is very important that passengers be seated and belted properly in a position with an active airbag. Airbags are supplemental restraints, designed to protect passengers using lap+shoulder belts and sitting in position properly.

Airbags can be disabled in certain situations. Also: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/airbags/airbags03/airbags1.html . It should be noted that the frequency and severity of injuries for most passengers is much greater without an airbag.

Finally, here are some recent statistics on those killed or seriously injured by airbags compared with those saved by airbags:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/SCI/3Q_2003/ABFSISR.pdf

Robert · Dec 7, 2003

In some of the newer model vehicles, you can adjust the gas/brake pedal by have the pedals move closer to the driver.

In regards to the air bag and her height, make sure she is at least 10 inches from the air bag and tilt the steering wheel so the air bag is aimed at her chest area as opposed to her face area.

short driver

wine13915

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