When it comes to where you sit when you get in the car, you probably do not give it much thought or even consider how that choice of location can affect your safety. However, where you choose to position your driver’s seat can actually be the difference between severe injuries and safety in the event that you are involved in a car accident.
In fact, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that drivers should position themselves at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel for safety reasons. Of course, the power and impact of a steering wheel airbag plays a big role in this suggestion. Reports explain that when an airbag deploys, it moves at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour and with a force of almost 2,000 pounds. For this reason, drivers who seat themselves closely to the steering wheel while driving put themselves at serious risk for detrimental injury.
Because our Virginia personal injury lawyers genuinely care about your safety, we have listed some helpful suggestions regarding how to move your driver’s seat to a safe and comfortable position:
- Move your seat back away from the dash
- Angle the steering wheel downward to avoid airbag impact to the chest or face
- Consider the installation of pedal adjusters
- Recline the back portion of the driver’s seat back while maintaining current base distance
- Consider the installation of pedals that are power adjustable
Nowadays, more and more vehicle manufacturers are designing vehicles with power adjustable pedals, which can provide a driver with an additional few inches of pedal length. With these, drivers have the option to extend the brake, gas, and clutch pedals without needing to position their seats closer to the steering wheel.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC for Aggressive Representation
If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident caused by a negligent individual, get in touch with our Virginia car accident attorneys at The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC right away. When you choose to work with our legal team, you can rest easier knowing we have the skills, experience, and knowledge to successfully pursue maximum compensation for you. No matter what the cause may be, we can determine whether another driver or a vehicle manufacturer should be held liable.
To discuss your case with our legal team, give us a call today!