Safe seat belt use for Senior Drivers
As we age our flexibility, bone density, vision, range of motion and strength change. This makes it all that more important that we’re buckled up properly in case of a crash. The lap portion of the seat belt should remain low across the hips and the shoulder belt should fall across the middle of the chest and shoulder. Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm where it can break your ribs.
It’s important to keep your chest at least 10 inches away from the steering-wheel airbag. This can be difficult to do as our stature begins to shrink as we age. Adjusting the backrest of the vehicle seat backwards can help.
For your comfort and safety it’s important to make your vehicle fit you as safely as possible before hitting the road. Here are a few items to check:
- Can you adequately reach the gas and brake pedal?
- Do you have a clear line of vision over the steering wheel?
- Does the center of your headrest hit the bump on the back of your head?
- Are your mirrors adjusted properly?
If you have any difficulty with any of these items, consult an occupational therapist for advice on adaptive devices.
