Short Person Driving a Big Vehicle?

I am 4 foot 11 and about to turn 16. My parents both have really big cars (a big minivan and a huge pickup truck) and we don't have any small cars. It's sometimes difficult for me to see the edges of these vehicles, and I feel like that's really dangerous. What are some things that I can do in order to see better? I've used phone books, but I kept sliding off, providing for even more danger. And what are the dangers of not quite knowing where the edges of the car are--could I possibly be fine?

Friendly Stranger..

You won't be fined for driving a vehicle and you being a short person. However it is a safety issue. You being short, is a safety issue because you may not be able to reach the pedals when you need to, and you may not be able to see the view of your surroundings like someone who is average or above average height. The thing you can do is elevate yourself. Using phone books is helpful but since you said you tried it, and it wasn't well worth it for you, then don't go that route. You may want to look into getting another vehicle at some point. Many vehicles now a days are made for short drivers and come with seat extenders.

Here is a site you may find helpful.
http://www.newcarbuyingguide.com/index.php/news/main/2308/event=view

kenbgray

Use a pillow, not books. You will slide off of the books.

someguy

Sit on a pillow. That's what they hard the shorter people did in my drivers ed class. Also, sit close to the steering wheel, and do not rest your back on the back rest. That how my mom and my sister driver, my dad and my huge cars ('97 Explorer and '00 Crown Vic).

Texas Underdog

Yes, that could be dangerous.
Have you expressed your concern to your parents?
Is it possible to get a smaller vehicle for you?
Have you tried a big firm pillow?
Try one that has a not too slick covering so it won't slide out from under you, or you off of it?
The seat belt should help keep it in place.

You might try looking at Walmart (or other automotive Auto-Zone type store) in the automotive section. Some of them have car seat cushions, but they aren't more than an inch thick - maybe tape 2 or 3 together.
As you get more driving experience, you might find that you don't need it anymore.

Here are a few web sites to look at:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19143953-Adult-Booster-Seat

http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2009/02/booster_seats.html

You could also ask your local police and/or fire department for tips.

Good Luck, and Be Careful Out There.
The life you safe might be MINE.
======================================...

gokart

I am a short person as well. Driving a big car is more a mental challenge than a physical challenge, as long as you can see over the dash. What I do in bigger cars is to imagine the right front tire "through" the floorboard. I do this by rubbing the tire on a curb ( not a good idea ) or running something harmless over ( small bump in the road) This will eventually teach you the spacial relation of you and the tires. After you know where the tires are you can imagine where the vehicle hangs out in front and in the rear. The key is experience and safety. Have fun and pay attention.

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