to short for MY seatbelt!

kitkatkc

New member

• Aug 24, 2011

• #1

Seriously, does anyone else have this problem? I drive an Ody 10, and my seatbelt drives me nuts. Though the belt height adjusts at the shoulder, even at the shortest setting, it hits too high on my shoulder and cuts into my neck right above my collar bone.
I am 5'4" but have a short torso. Let's just say I weigh WAY too much for a backless booster. I am 8.5 mo pregnant right now, so that seems to mke the belt fit even worse (my belly pushes the shoulder strap up a bit) but even before I got pegnant, if I didn't sit absolutely upright (as in, it gets uncomfortable) the seatbelt was too high.
Is there an easy solution to this? There have got to be other short people out there!

 

safeinthecar

Moderator - CPS Technician

• Aug 24, 2011

• #2

I'm 5'5" and, eh hem, generously curved in certain places, IYKWIM. While I'm tall enough that it seems like I should fit the seat belt, the...umm..."accessories" get in the way. Especially if I'm wearing a less supportive bra or a sports bra. So...if that may be part of your problem, that's just one more reason to go get fitted. Your back will thank you too.

 

carseatmom

CPST Instructor

• Aug 24, 2011

• #3

Do your seats adjust up and down, sometimes playing with that will help. I'm not much better off then you, and I've had many belts rub my neck. I've often just had to pull my shirt up so it did rub me raw.

 

dneul

New member

• Aug 24, 2011

• #4

I have this problem too and I am 6 ft tall! AND I have a very tall torso . The drivers seat in my caravan will fit me most of the time but in the 3rd row and the captains seating it drives me NUTS!!! The lap belt rides high around my middle and the shoulder belt always hits me right at the neck. It was so bad that after driving for 20 hours and then being a passenger on another 8 hour trip (trip within a trip that was only 12 hours apart) that I took my sock off and tied it around the seat belt and buckle to just give a tiny amount of relief from the constant rubbing.

I would love to see what the solution is when the seat is already adjusted and the seat belt is in the lowest setting on the adjuster.

 

wavegal

New member

• Aug 25, 2011

• #5

i have this issue in my 06 Pilot (same height) and constantly am adjusting it to not scratch the heck out of my neck.

 

J

Jessica61624

New member

• Aug 25, 2011

• #6

My seat belt is constantly rubbing my neck. It's SO annoying!

 

Kel

Well-known member

• Aug 27, 2011

• #7

I'm only 4'11 and3/4 in. My ford windstar fits great. It's foot petals adjust, witch means I don't have to pull the seat up so far. It's also has height adjustments on the seat and seatbelt, but I think the petals are what realy help.

 

Squeaky McMurdo

New member

• Aug 27, 2011

• #8

The shoulder portion isn't a problem for me, but the lap part NEVER fits me, they like to ride up to just below my belly button

 

V

VanIsleMommy

Guest

• Aug 27, 2011

• #9

I have the same problem. I'm 5'4 but 34" of that is legs, so I have a short torso. The seatbelt cuts into my neck so bad I get eczema!! three solutions.. if your seat and/or seatbelt adjusts, try to make it work. or you can get one of those seat belt covers that sits at the shoulder so it won't dig in. lastly, you can buy an adult booster, which is probably the safest option. if the seat belt doesn't fit you properly in the torso, chances are it's not sitting across your lap either. if it cuts into your tummy you have a serious risk of injury in an accident. don't worry, they're pretty discreet nowadays... some places just call them a wedge.

 

dneul

New member

• Aug 27, 2011

• #10

If you take two boosters that have a 100 pound weight limit, does it increase to 200? :ROTFLMAO:

I think I will just have to come to the conclusion that if you weigh more then 175 pounds and are over 70 inches tall and already have a long torso (some of my tshirts are mens xl tall) that there is nothing I can do. My seat is already high, seat belt on door is already at the lowest setting. My seatbelt just sucks...

 

JeDeeLenae

New member

• Aug 27, 2011

• #11

I have this problem too. I have the seat belt adjusted as low as it can go and it cuts into my neck. I constantly am using my "accessories" to hold the belt in place. I'm about 5'8" & 6 months pregnant,. Early in the pregnancy I'd get nauseous from the seat belt.

 

safeinthecar

Moderator - CPS Technician

• Aug 28, 2011

• #12

Sometimes a higher setting fits better than a lower one.

 

S

Sharon

Guest

• Sep 13, 2022

• #13

kitkatkc said:

Seriously, does anyone else have this problem? I drive an Ody 10, and my seatbelt drives me nuts. Though the belt height adjusts at the shoulder, even at the shortest setting, it hits too high on my shoulder and cuts into my neck right above my collar bone.
I am 5'4" but have a short torso. Let's just say I weigh WAY too much for a backless booster. I am 8.5 mo pregnant right now, so that seems to mke the belt fit even worse (my belly pushes the shoulder strap up a bit) but even before I got pegnant, if I didn't sit absolutely upright (as in, it gets uncomfortable) the seatbelt was too high.
Is there an easy solution to this? There have got to be other short people out there!

Click to expand...

My daughter has just been given a $1078.00 fine and 4 points off her license because I the passenger has this problem - nearly 5'8 but with a very short body and straight shoulders, the seat belt cuts to my neck and drives me crazy, so I slipped part of it near my elbow but still wearing it. Caught on a camera and hence the fine - the biggest problem with these rules is if in an accident the damn seat belt would take my head off (but hey safety first right). The government should look into this as the seat belt that exists could do more damage than good, also get the car manufacturers to work on this for short bodied people.

 

L

Loli

Guest

• Nov 12, 2022

• #14

Sharon said:

My daughter has just been given a $1078.00 fine and 4 points off her license because I the passenger has this problem - nearly 5'8 but with a very short body and straight shoulders, the seat belt cuts to my neck and drives me crazy, so I slipped part of it near my elbow but still wearing it. Caught on a camera and hence the fine - the biggest problem with these rules is if in an accident the damn seat belt would take my head off (but hey safety first right). The government should look into this as the seat belt that exists could do more damage than good, also get the car manufacturers to work on this for short bodied people.

Click to expand...

I have received the same fine, same reason. Have you appeal ? I feel like is fair enough to appeal.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Nov 15, 2022

• #15

Since that's not properly or safely wearing the belt, it's understandable to get a fine.

Do you need help with ideas for a better fit?