Can Sitting Too Close to the Steering Wheel Be Dangerous?

When you jump into the front seat of your car, it is unlikely that you consider the position of your seat and steering wheel. In fact, most people have their seats and steering wheel set in positions in which they feel most comfortable.

But did you know the position of your seat and the angle of your steering wheel can affect the amount of injury or damage you can face if an accident occurs?

How Far Away From the Steering Wheel Should You Be?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 10 or more inches is the appropriate distance between a driver and their steering wheel. Because a steering wheel airbag can generate a force of nearly two thousand pounds at speeds in excess of 200 miles an hour, sitting too close to the steering wheel and airbag can cause catastrophic injuries or death on impact.

To help you stay safe when driving, we have provided a list of tips, which can be found below:

• Tilt the steering wheel at an angle so that it does not directly face the head or chest regions of your body.
• Slide the driver’s seatback by adjusting the base of the seat.
• Recline the top portion of the driver’s seat at an angle that keeps the top half of your body away from the steering wheel and airbag.
• Contact a professional to see if you can have pedal adjusters installed in your vehicle. This can help short people maintain distance from the steering wheel and airbag while still being able to reach the control pedals.

Injured in a Car Accident? Strong Law, P.C. Can Help You

At Strong Law, P.C., our Springfield car accident attorneys truly care about the wellbeing of you and your family. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence such as a texting driver or uninsured motorist, contact our team right away. We can take the time to understand your case and begin formulating a strategy based on your needs. When you become a client, we will examine your case and determine whether a driver should be held responsible or if the vehicle manufacturer should be held liable for defective airbags. No matter what your case may be, we are here for you.

For your free consultation, contact our firm today! We have been helping people recover maximum compensation since 1976.