When it comes to driving safely, you probably don’t think about the position of your seat. It’s no secret that most automobile accidents and injuries result from dangerous driving habits like texting, speeding, and driving under the influence. However, the distance of the steering wheel can play an important role in driver safety. This is especially important when considering the strength and sensitivity of steering wheel airbags.
Can Sitting Too Close to the Steering Wheel Be Dangerous?
The short answer is yes. Drivers sitting too close to the steering wheel are at extreme risk for severe and detrimental injuries. This risk is even more prevalent for women; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that women are more than 47% more likely than men to be seriously injured in a collision due to their smaller bodies and preferred driving positions.
How Far Away Should You Be From The Steering Wheel?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety state that a distance of 10 or more inches from the steering wheel is safe. This is due to the power and impact that an airbag can produce. Research states that, on average, a steering wheel airbag generates a force of nearly 2,000 pounds and expands at roughly 200 miles per hour.
To help drivers maintain a safe distance between themselves and the steering wheel, we have compiled a list of helpful tips to get you driving comfortably and safely.
- Push the seatback
- Tilt the steering wheel down to avoid impact to the face or chest
- Use a telescoping steering wheel to move it away from your chest (If possible)
- Have pedal adjusters installed
- Recline the top part of the seatback while maintaining the current distance
- Use power-adjustable pedals (If possible)
How Far Should You Sit From the Steering Wheel if You are Short?
It sounds frustrating if you aren't very tall to sit very far back from the steering wheel. After all, if your legs cannot reach the pedals, you don't really have much of an option. But ten or more inches is still recommended for any height, and there may be a way you can accomplish this.
Many car companies have started designing power-adjustable pedals that can give drivers an extra three inches of pedal length. This means drivers with short legs or height can adjust the gas, brake, and clutch pedals without moving their seats closer to the front of the car.
Helping Clients Maintain a Safe Distance From Airbags
At Biren Law Group, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys genuinely care about your safety. We understand that driving is a natural and necessary part of nearly every person’s life. For this reason, we hope that you practice safe driving habits and conditions to prevent unnecessary harm.
If you have been severely injured by an airbag, call out Los Angeles car accident lawyers today. We may be able to help you recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. When building your case, we will be able to determine whether another driver caused your injuries or if the vehicle manufacturer should be held liable.
FAQs
If a driver sits too close to the steering wheel, they run the risk of major chest injuries due to the impact of a car. This could mean broken ribs, punctured lungs, or other serious contusions.
What are the dangers of sitting close to the steering wheel? ›
In an accident, the forward momentum caused by an abrupt halt may thrust a driver forward at high speeds. If they are sitting too close to the steering wheel, they might hit their chest or their heads against it and the dashboard.
Is it illegal to sit too close to the steering wheel? ›
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the steering wheel should sit 10 inches away from the driver's chest for optimal safety. However, many drivers don't abide by this rule, and because of the way drivers' airbags are designed, sitting too close can be hazardous.
Is it bad to be too close to the steering wheel? ›
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety advise that a distance of 10 or more inches from the steering wheel is the safest location for the driver. This is due to the power and impact that an airbag can yield during an accident.
Is it safe to sit no closer than how many inches from the steering wheel? ›
Sitting too close to your steering wheel can be a very dangerous practice. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opines that the appropriate distance to be maintained between the driver and the steering should be at least 10 inches.
What is the safest distance from the steering wheel? ›
Steering Wheel Positioning Tips
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, keep 10 inches or more between a driver and their steering wheel. Further: Make sure your steering wheel faces downward; this will minimize serious impact to the chest and face.
Is it bad for a car to sit around? ›
When sitting for extended periods, your brakes can begin to rust. This will prevent your calipers from sliding properly. All dormant vehicles are susceptible to brake rusting, especially in areas with high humidity and frequent rain. However, hybrid vehicles are especially vulnerable to this issue.
What happens if you sit too close to an airbag? ›
Occasionally, the energy required to quickly inflate airbags can cause injury to people sitting or thrown too close to the airbag before it deploys. This was a serious concern with the first generations of frontal airbags, which deployed with greater force.
How many inches should your body be away from the steering wheel? ›
Becky Mueller, a research engineer with the IIHS said that you should sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel to be fully protected, which is roughly the distance between your wrist and elbow. Anything within three inches of that could increase the risk of injuries to your upper body.
How far should the steering wheel be from your legs? ›
Steering wheel position
There should be a small gap between the steering wheel and the top of your thighs, You should be able to comfortably reach the steering wheel, with a slight bend in your arms.
To minimize the potential of any air-bag-related injury, NHTSA still recommends keeping a 10-inch minimum between the air bag cover (in the center of the steering wheel for drivers and on the dashboard for the right front passenger), maintaining a proper seating position, and moving the seat as far back as possible ( ...
How far should you sit when driving? ›
Place 2 fingers between the edge of your seat and the back of your knee. If you can't fit both fingers in the gap, slide your seat back until you're able to.
How close can you sit to the steering wheel? ›
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that roughly 10 inches or further is an optimal distance between a driver and their steering wheel, due to the amount of power that an airbag can produce when it deploys, this will help keep you safe.
What are the side effects of sitting in the car? ›
These repetitive movements can put a strain on your joints and muscles, leading to fatigue and discomfort. Poor posture: When sitting in a car, it can be challenging to maintain good posture due to the design of the car seat and the position of the pedals and steering wheel.
Why is it safe to sit behind the driver? ›
Another reason the passenger seat behind the driver may be the safest is that the driver is likely to instinctively react to protect themselves in emergencies. Thus, the driver may unconsciously protect the driver's side more than the passenger's side, and with it, the passenger behind them more than passengers.
How does being too close to far and too low from the steering wheel affect your control of the vehicle? ›
For example, if the steering is too close, during a sharp turn, the driver's movements may be restricted, while being too low or far may lead to slower reaction times to adapt to road changes.
