Anyone who is familiar with our website or YouTube channel knows I’m about 5 feet tall. And, invariably, when I do a video review, showing a side view of my driving position, I get the following comment: You’re sitting too close to the steering wheel. Usually, I’m not. So, let’s dig into this a bit and answer the question shorties everywhere are asking: How close is too close to the steering wheel?
Be at least 10 inches from the wheel
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say drivers need to be at least 10 inches from the center of the steering wheel. This is due to air bag deployment.
During severe to moderate crashes, an igniter in the inflator starts a chemical reaction that allows the air bag to deploy – this can happen within 1/20th of a second or less. Because this is such a rapid deployment, you’re looking at 2,000 pounds of force. If you’re sitting too close to the steering wheel, minimally you’re looking at a broken nose. But there’s the potential the explosive force of deployment could cause death.
What if I’m too close to the wheel?
If you adjust your seat so that your arm is straight when your wrist is just draped over the wheel, that should be at least 10 inches – even if you’re a shorty like me. However, if you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to pull out the tape measure.
If you are 10 inches or less from the wheel, the first thing you can do is try tilting your seat back a bit without hindering your visibility. If that doesn’t do it, you may need to look at pedal extenders. Of course, if your vehicle is equipped with adjustable pedals, pedal extenders aren’t necessary. However, trucks and SUVs with these pedals are very limited in 2023.
In rare instances, you can deactivate the air bag with an on-off switch – but this can only be done at an authorized dealer or repair shop. And then, you’ll need approval from the NHTSA to get the deactivation done legally.
According to the NHTSA website, to submit a request, you can mail a letter to:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Attention: Air Bag Switch Requests
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.
Washington, DC 20590-1000
For a faster response, write your phone number on the form and fax it to: 202-493-2833 or 202-366-6916. For questions, call the Air Bag Division at 202-366-6982.
The bottom line
With telescoping steering wheels and adjustable pedals, I can usually get an optimal driving position in most vehicles. But there are some, like GM trucks and Nissan SUVs, that are a little too close for comfort. I’d always recommend measuring before you buy to be sure you’re in the safe range.
