Ways Short People Can Make Driving Safer & More Comfortable

Driving safely as a vertically challenged person is no joke: it can be dangerous. Check out these ways short people can make driving safer & more comfortable.

Tall people laugh at shorter drivers (where’s your booster seat, shorty?) but they’ll be laughing out the passenger side window when age shrinks their spines, and they can’t see over the dashboard anymore.

If you or a loved are among the “vertically challenged” right now, learn ways short people can make driving safer and more comfortable.

Things That Make Driving Dangerous for Short People

Sun visors don’t work: If you’re short, you’ve had the experience of flipping the sun visor down with absolutely no effect; the sun just keeps glaring in your eyes, because the visor is blocking the sun above your line of vision.

The dashboard is too high: Well, actually, shorter drivers often can’t see over dashboards designed for people of “average height.” It makes gauging distances accurately or anticipating road hazards difficult.

Rearview mirrors are just wrong: Mirrors for people of average height can create blind spots for shorter drivers.

Too much leg room: Yes, OK, reaching the pedals can be an issue for shorter drivers. But it’s no laughing matter. Even with the seat pulled forward as much as it will go, shorter drivers may still struggle to reach the pedals, meaning they may not have full control of their vehicle for braking or accelerating, increasing the risk of accidents.

Climbing in and out of the vehicle: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHRSA) has reported that getting in and out of the vehicle is the second-most common cause of nondriving injuries. Hoisting themselves in and out of a car or truck can seem like a physical fitness challenge for shorter drivers. Bigger vehicles are a particular problem, so running boards or side steps on pickup trucks might be a necessity for shorter drivers (and passengers).

Tips for Shorter Drivers To Enhance Safety and Comfort

Don’t just sit there, adjust your seat: Most newer vehicles have controls that move seats both forward and back and up and down, as well as adjust the angle of the seat cushion and seat back. So use those controls to provide optimal control and improve visibility.

Watching a six-foot auto shop worker get into the driver’s seat of your car when the seat is optimally positioned for your five-foot-one frame is actually pretty funny—just be kind enough to warn them about bumping their heads when they get in!

Try professionally installed pedal extenders: These attach to the gas and brake pedals, making it easier for shorter drivers to reach them.

Adjust your mirrors:  Adjust your side mirrors so you can see the full length of your vehicle and a portion of the lane next to you on both sides. Rearview mirrors should offer a clear view of the center of your rear window.

Purchase a sun visor extender: These extenders attach to your existing sun visor and provide additional sun protection for shorter drivers.

With a few simple adjustments, shorter drivers can make their driving experience safer and more comfortable, preventing accidents and ensuring an enjoyable time behind the wheel.

UP IN NEWS