Solving Awkward Seat Adjustments and Other Challenges for Short Drivers

Driving is a challenge for everyone, but it’s a whole different level for short people. Most vehicles are made for the average height, so if you aren’t 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, you might find it hard to comfortably fit in the driver’s seat. While seat adjustment is one clear solution, it isn’t always enough. Let’s dive into the common issues short drivers face and how to solve them.

Possible Driving Challenges for Short People

Here are the most common challenges for short drivers:

Limited Visibility

One of the biggest problems short people often experience while driving is limited visibility, which is never a good thing. If you’re sitting too low, you’ll find it hard to see the nose of your vehicle, so you’re more likely to rear-end someone. In some cases, the steering wheel can also block your view.

Thankfully, most modern vehicles come with adjustable steering wheels and power car seats for short drivers.

Glaring Sun

For most short drivers, sun visors are practically useless. Sun visors are meant to block the sun, but they won’t really do much unless you’re tall enough. This leaves short drivers with the sun glaring in their faces and obscuring their view.

To fix this, you can install a visor extender or wear sunglasses or a hat with a visor while driving.

Awkward Headrest Position

Headrests are more than just comfy cushions to lean on during long drives. They’re also safety features that prevent whiplash in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, they’re sometimes too high when a short person is driving.

During an accident, a headrest that barely touches the top of your head can cause serious neck injuries. It’s best to invest in a car that comes with an adjustable headrest, but you can also try looking for aftermarket headrests that offer better support.

Seat Belt and Shoulder Strap Discomfort

Do your seat belt and shoulder straps fit well against your body? The seat belt should always fit comfortably across your pelvis, with the shoulder strap crossing over your shoulder. If it settles across your neck, this can cause serious injuries. It’s also just plain uncomfortable.

Buying a seat belt adjuster is one of the most common solutions to this issue. You can find plenty of options with different styles and price points.

Useful Driving Tips for Short People

Just because you’re short doesn’t mean you can’t drive comfortably and confidently. Here are some useful driving tips for those on the shorter side:

Use a Seat Cushion

If your vehicle doesn’t come with height-adjustable seats, then you’ll have to settle for the next best thing: a seat cushion. A car seat cushion is great for short drivers because it can help elevate your position on the driver’s seat, which should give you a clear view of the road over the steering wheel.

Using a seat cushion is also likely to correct your posture, so you’ll experience less back pain too. 

Invest in Pedal Extenders

Struggling to reach the brakes? Consider investing in some pedal extenders. Pedal extenders are useful devices that extend the length of the gas, brake, and clutch pedals in a vehicle. They’re great at eliminating all that extra legroom, so you can reach your pedals with ease.

Be sure to choose the ones that fit your vehicle properly. You don’t want them suddenly slipping off as you drive.

Buy a Steering Wheel Extender

Similar to pedal extenders, a steering wheel extender brings the wheel a few inches closer to the driver’s body. It keeps the steering wheel within reach while keeping it far enough so that the air bag can still work properly. It’s one of the best car accessories for short drivers that won’t break the bank.

Know Your Blind Spots

Every driver should know their blind spots, especially if you’re on the shorter side. To learn your blind spots, ask a friend to walk around your car. Watch them closely, and ask them to mark the spot whenever you can’t see them anymore.

What Are the Best 2023 Cars for Short People?

Today, you’ll find plenty of great cars on the market for short people. Adjustable seats, driver-assistance technology, and easy-to-reach controls are just some of the standard features that most manufacturers now offer. Here are some vehicles to consider:

• 2023 Subaru Forester
• 2023 Kia Soul
• 2023 Mazda CX-30
• 2023 Honda Civic
• 2023 BMW X1

The 2023 Subaru Forester is an excellent choice with its great visibility, thanks to its sizable windows. The base trim also comes with manually adjustable front seats, a rearview camera, and a forward collision warning system.