Driving is a challenging task for short people. In addition to lack of clear vision, there are several problems that short drivers face. Most cars accommodate drivers with height ranges between 4.9 to 6.3 inches.
However, certain adjustments have to be made for people with shorter heights when driving. In this blog, we will discuss useful driving tops for a short person. Going through these short person driving tips will help drivers with a short height take measures to drive safely.
Driving Tips for a Short Person
Short drivers experience certain challenges when driving cars, especially if they are big ones. However, this isn’t a challenge that can’t be addressed. With the right tips and tools, people with a short height can drive cars safely and comfortably.
Following are some useful driving tips for a short person or for drivers with a short height.
Use a seat cushion
First of all, there is no set rule for the height of a driver’s car seat. That said, one should adjust the car seat’s height in a manner that the driver can clearly see over the dashboard and in front of the hood.
The best solution to this problem is by buying a car with a fully adaptable height-adjustable seat or using a seat cushion. Seat cushions help short drivers with a clear vision over the steering wheel. Using cushions and proper car seat adjustments also help prevent backaches while driving.
Use a pedal extenders
Another problem short drivers face is reaching the extenders. There is too much legroom and a short driver struggles to hit the brake and accelerator. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it is also extremely dangerous.
To solve this problem, drivers with a short height can use pedal extenders. Just make sure, the pedal extenders you chose are comfortable to use and give you better control over your car.
Use a steering wheel extender
Short drivers usually push their seats in the front in order to reach the brakes and accelerators. However, because of this, the steering wheel is really close to their body. The top of the steering wheel is directly in front of the driver’s eye or they may be looking through the driving wheel rather than over it.
This is dangerous. Modern vehicles have adjustable steering wheels, but if you have an older car, use a steering wheel extender. Try to keep a 10-inch gap between your body and the steering wheel.
A steering wheel extender simply extends the length of the steering, without the need of a short driver to push their driving seat ahead. This also adds a layer of protection, for in case of an accident, you will be sitting away from the steering wheel and this will not hamper the working of the car safety airbag.
Find your blind spot area
It is important for short drivers to find their blind spot area. This detection gives them the exact estimation of the spot from where they cannot see clearly. To detect your blind spot area, ask a friend to walk around your car.
Watch them walk until it becomes difficult to see from the part below their knees. Ask them to mark the spot. Repeat this for each spot and determine your visibility limitations. When you know about the visual limitations, you will be in a better position to buy tools such as car pedal extenders or seat risers.
Those are all the useful driving tips for a short person. Don’t quit driving or get nervous on the road because of your short height. Just equip yourself with the right tools and drive safely!
Besides, if you are looking for a car with adjustable features assisting your driving, take a look at this list of used cars for sale in the UAE. Select the car that fits your driving needs best.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on car DIY solutions, car repair tips and much more.
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