Motoring with restricted growth (view report contents)
Driving with restricted growth
People of small stature drive all makes, models and size of car. Whether you have short arms and/or short legs, you must be able to reach all the driving controls – pedals, parking brake, gear selector and steering wheel – and have all round visibility. As well as making sure you can see over the dashboard, check bulky door mirrors do not block your front view or the headrest your rear view.
Any car you drive will need modification to suit your exact body dimensions. Pedal extensions and seat modifications are likely to be required.
You must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and your insurance company whenever your ability to drive changes significantly. You must also tell the insurance company of any car adaptations you have. For further information, go to www.dvla.gov.uk or get What you need to know about driving licences (D100) from a post office.
Airbags
These are increasingly fitted in the front of cars. Airbags are designed to inflate extremely fast to cushion you from injury by the steering wheel or dashboard in a severe crash. Sensors in the car fire the airbag if the severity and direction of the impact warrant it.
However research has shown that shorter and lighter motorists – under 160 cm (63 in) and 55 kg (121 lb) – are more likely to be hurt by the airbag. If you sit closer than 32 cm (just under 13 in) to reach the steering wheel and pedals, you are likely to be in the ‘airbag deployment zone’. Also if you have your arm across the wheel – as you will at times with a steering ball or spinner (see Primary controls) – and the airbag fires, the force is likely to break your arm. You must not use any steering device with a fixed bar across the centre of the steering wheel.
If your car has an airbag and an adjustable steering wheel, tilt it downwards slightly to face your chest rather than your head to reduce the risk of injury. Reclining the seat might also help. Fortunately ‘smart’ airbags are becoming available which inflate fully only if sensors detect suitable seat and driver positions.
Adaptation firms sometimes need to remove an airbag – for example when replacing a standard steering wheel with a small one. If your height and driving position make you unsafe with an airbag, they or a main dealer will deactivate or remove it only as a last resort. Always wear your seat belt and make sure it is close fitting and in good condition.
There is more information at www.rospa.com and www.dft.gov/access.
Learning to drive
Mobility Centres and disabled drivers’ organisations can help you to find a driving instructor who specialises in teaching disabled drivers. They use cars with adapted controls or will teach you in your own vehicle.
Report Contents
About
this guide
Motoring
with restricted growth
Choosing
a car
Plan
of action
Products
and techniques
Getting
in and out
Primary
controls
Secondary
controls
Finance
Further
information
Helpful
organisations
