Would this be safe?

MommaWhitney

New member

• May 5, 2011

• #1

For an adult. In our area women are short average 5'2-4. I hear all the time about adults not passing the 5 step test. Is there anything they can do?

http://www.seatbeltmasters.com/

Sent from my iPhone using Car-Seat.Org

 

NannyMom

Well-known member

• May 5, 2011

• #2

I'd be afraid of what kind of injuries that thing would give me

 

wavegal

New member

• May 5, 2011

• #3

I agree, I wouldn't use that, seems like you'd hurt your abdomen like a belly clip would a kid. I am 5'4 and belt doesn't always fit right but it seems the general consensus is that our bones are a lot stronger so able to take the force better

 

Cryssy Jane

New member

• May 5, 2011

• #4

Yeah. I'm only 5 feet and don't 5 step in many vehicles but I would never use that. Yikes. I can just imagine an oversized locking clip smashing into my belly. In any cars I can I just adjust the shoulder belt and make sure I'm not slouching. I've always been told that our adult bones will fare better in an accident than a child's at the same height.

 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor

Staff member

• May 5, 2011

• #5

It's the lap belt that's the big deal. If the shoulder belt is a hair high, it's a comfort issue, not a safety one. Short of the shoulder belt going across your throat, you're not at a huge risk from it.

Wendy

 

2BunniesMommy

Well-known member

• May 5, 2011

• #6

That looks anything but safe. Scary in fact.

 

BookMama

Senior Community Member

• May 5, 2011

• #7

wendytthomas said:

It's the lap belt that's the big deal. If the shoulder belt is a hair high, it's a comfort issue, not a safety one. Short of the shoulder belt going across your throat, you're not at a huge risk from it.

Wendy

Click to expand...

Right, the positioning of the lap belt is what's more important. You want it to be over the hip bone rather than over the soft part of the belly - in a crash, there'd be nothing protecting your insides. Unfortunately, it looks like this positioner pulls the lap belt right up into that danger zone, in addition to adding a big hunk of metal for your insides to squish against. :thumbsdown:

 

eyeslkethesky5391

Senior Community Member

• May 5, 2011

• #8

I would be sad to see what that thing does in an accident and am not willing to be the crash dummy that tries it...I'm 5'2 and my shoulder belt always bothers me but I will live with it

 

Calleiah

Active member

• May 7, 2011

• #9

Nope, no way would I use that. I'd be surprised if it passes testing, provided they even test it. FWIW, Im 5'1", and I fail the 5 step in lots of cars. I just do the best i can to make sure the lap belt is in place. I do occasionally employ the vehicles built in shoulder strap adjuster (used for kids usually). This seems to work pretty well.

 

Kac

Ambassador - CPS Technician

• May 7, 2011

• #10

I am 5 4 and fit really well in some seat belts, but not all. I would never use that though. It doesn't matter if it is on your neck. The lap belt is the place that is hard to get a good fit.

 

lovemybabies924

New member

• May 7, 2011

• #11

My vans belt is across my neck when I drive because I'm so close to the wheel so my feet can reach haha and I'm 5'5".... I hate it but live with it

Sent from my iPod touch, sorry for any auto-correct typos!

 

luckyclov

New member

• May 7, 2011

• #12

I don't 5-step in a lot of vehicles, but I would never EVER use that. I do the best I can to sit properly and have the seatbelt positioned properly every ride, but it is what it is in the event of an accident.

 

V

Vdavis

New member

• May 7, 2011

• #13

Most newer car seat belts are adjustable. If you have concerns most dealership will reconfigure you seatbelt to fit properly. I am short as well with bone problems due to a car accident when I was 16. When I was able to drive again I took my car to the dealership and the reconfigured the seat belt so it would be safer for me.

 

Kat_Momof3

New member

• May 7, 2011

• #14

I know a couple people on here have ordered these - which I thought were supposed to come to the US, but can't find that they have... anyway... these would be safe.

http://www.seatbeltservices.co.uk/seat_belt_height_adjusters.html

official site - http://www.autosafeproducts.co.nz/

 

luckyclov

New member

• May 7, 2011

• #15

For me, the shoulder belt isn't really an issue. It's the lap belt - I wish it could sit lower. It doesn't get any better if I raise my vehicle seat, either. It does improve if the vehicle seat is moved *back*, but, well, then my legs can't reach the pedals.