# Short drivers' problems

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-drivers-problems/26691>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [February 20, 2009, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-drivers-problems/26691 "2009-02-20T00:15:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![marti\_pastore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bbce88/32.png) [@marti\_pastore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marti_pastore)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-drivers-problems/26691/1 "2009-02-20T00:15:24Z")

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We are looking for a new car; I am 60" and shrinking.In order to drive, I need the seat up all the way, and the wheel down (so I can see over it.) My gut almost touches the wheel. Is this a safety hazard? Is there a car in which this doesn’t happen?Thanks. Marti

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-drivers-problems/26691/2 "2009-02-20T00:48:38Z")

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Sitting too close to the steering wheel is a hazard because of the airbag. This is a problem for shorter people, and has been for some time.

I’d recommend “peddle extensions,” but you said “we” are looking, and I have to assume the car will be driven by you and someone who is taller.

There are companies who specialize in making vehicles easier for people like yourself to drive. I suggest you do some Internet searching and see if you can find something useful.

In the meantime, I suggest you test drive everything, or at least test sit everything, and see if you can find a vehicle that fits you. I know this will be time-consuming, but it’s the only way to find out. There might be a vehicle out there with a seat/steering wheel arrangement that works for you, and for “we.”

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**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 1:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-drivers-problems/26691/3 "2009-02-20T01:25:04Z")

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Unless I’m mistaken Ford brought out a vehicle (don’t remember which one) with optional adjustable pedals awhile ago. 4-6 years ago?

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**Author:** ![Beadsandbeads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Beadsandbeads](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beadsandbeads)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2009, 12:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-drivers-problems/26691/4 "2009-02-21T00:41:00Z")

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Crown Victorias and their cousins have them for many years. IIRC, so did the old Tauruses. I would be surprised if other models don’t have them. They can be retrofitted, but it would probably be price prohibitive.