Many individuals do not consider how the position of the driver’s seat plays an important role in driver safety. Most people already have their seat adjusted to what they feel in the most comfortable position. However, it is wise to consider the position of your driver’s seat and check that it is in a comfortable, yet safe position. Furthermore, it is important to consider the strength and sensitivity of steering wheel airbags and how the impact can be greater if you are seated close to that area.

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. Studies show that a steering wheel airbag generates a force of roughly 2,000 pounds and expands at speeds faster than 200 miles per hour. This means drivers seated close to the steering wheel face extreme risks of suffering detrimental injuries and significant harm.

Below is a list of helpful tips to get you driving comfortably and safely.

• Using the base of the seat that glides forward and back, move the seat back.
• Slant the steering wheel down to avoid airbag impact to the head or chest regions
• See a professional to have pedal adjusters installed that will allow you to reach the pedals while remaining far enough away from the steering wheel and airbag.
• Recline the upper part of the seat back while maintaining current base distance

New technologies have given drivers with short legs or height the ability to adjust gas, brake, and clutch pedals without having to move their seats closer to the steering wheel and airbags.

The Daspit Law Firm is Here for You

Our Galveston car accident attorneys at The Daspit Law Firm sincerely care about your safety and driving abilities. We understand that driving is an essential part of everyday life. We are dedicated to helping you learn important safe driving habits and conditions in order to prevent unnecessary harm and danger.

If you have been severely injured in an accident due to another person’s recklessness, call our Galveston car accident lawyers at The Daspit Law Firm today. We may be able to help you and your family recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distresses that may occur as a result of your accident. 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 for defective airbags.

Don’t hesitate. Get the representation you deserve. Call The Daspit Law Firm of Galveston today!