Question about slouching on road trips

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CallMeBob

Guest
Hey so… this feels like a weird question and I’m obviously new here/ a guest so not sure how this works. Please be patient as I figure this out lol.

I’m an adult 190 pound male with no (known) disabilities. I notice that on road trips when not driving I tend to slouch (submarine?) down in my seat to the point of having my back on the seat and my knees wedged against the seat in front of me. Its not something I consciously do when trying to sleep - in which case I lean against the window or recline (too far… but that’s covered in someone else’s thread a few years ago). I guess my question is would it be overkill to get some sort of positioning device just for infrequent long (>2 hour) drives? I *know* when I’m not in a proper seat belt position but am sometimes more comfortable slouched like that and do it anyways.
 
ADS

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
Hi- our expertise is mainly for children in child restraint systems. There really is little data and few, if any, products that are certified in any way to position an adult, like a belt-positioning booster would for a child. Many adults have issues with comfort or seating height, even while driving. Unlike kids, we mainly depend on the adult to be able to remain seated properly with a correctly adjusted lap/shoulder belt and vehicle seat, even if it is uncomfortable. Apologies that we are not a good resource for this information.
 
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CallMeBob

Guest
Ive seen some older posts here about adults with special needs needing help with positioning so i thought it was worth a shot. Thanks for the quick response.
 

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
Sadly, we don't have as many experts as in years past and I personally have not seen much new information on this topic to add.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
One option to help you stay in position as a passenger might be a soft inflatable foot rest. This might make it more comfortable for you to stay seated all the way back. We sometimes use this for teens/tweens who technically fit the belt but get slouchy for comfort reasons.
 
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CallMeBob

Guest
Thanks ketchupqueen, I might try something like that on our next road trip!

Sometimes I put the seatbelt into the locking mode and just pull it tight so the lap belt prevents me from sliding down under it and the shoulder belt gives me some support. Thats usually not for long though because it tends to dig if I’m actually using it for support. If it works the foot rest sounds like it would be more comfortable and allow more flexibility.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
If you think you might benefit from lateral support, you can also try using a soft pillow or bolster at your side.
 
C

CallMeBob

Guest
Thanks, however its mainly slouching down or forward leaning that I’m doing.

As for your suggestion- I tried a small foot rest in a short drive today and that put a bit too much pressure on my sensitive tailbone (though I can see how it would help some with slouching). HOWEVER the vehicle we plan on getting for this trip has much more comfortable seats so that might bot be an issue. I think between the foot rest, nicer seats, (occasionally) locking my seat belt, and occasional gas station breaks I should stay be able to comfortably stay upright for the upcoming road trip pretty well.
 

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