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A driver’s position in a vehicle is critical when it comes to driving control and avoiding vehicle accidents. The American Society on Aging (AARP) says that "Checking to see that you and your car 'fit' together well can be as important to your safety as a mechanical check-up." Proper positioning allows drivers greater steering control, as well as a dramatic increase in vision around the vehicle and down the road.

According to “CarFit” developed by the American Society on Aging, AARP, the AAA Auto Club, and the American Occupational Therapy Association drivers should also consider the following factors to determine if they and their car are a “good fit.”

• C - Clear line of sight over the steering wheel. Drivers should be able to see at least three inches above the steering wheel.

• A - Adjust the headrest so that the center is against the back of the driver's head, not the neck.

• R - Room between the center of the driver's chest and the driver front airbag. Make sure there is at least 10 inches between the breastbone and the center of the steering wheel.

• F - Fit in your seat comfortably.  Drivers should be able to adjust the seat controls for good visibility (front, side and rear) and easy access to controls and pedals.

• I - Inspect seat belt for proper position and comfort. The lower part of the belt should fit comfortably across the driver's hip bones. The shoulder belt should fit comfortably across the rib cage, not under the driver's arm. Make sure the seat belt can be unbuckled, and re-buckled, without difficulty.

• T - Touch gas and brake pedals to measure easy access.  Drivers should be able to fully depress the brake pedal as well as easily move their feet between the brake and gas pedals.

The easiest way to adjust seat position, according to Ergonomicssimplified.com, is to start with a seat that is completely in the wrong position, all the way back and as low to the floor as possible with a recline of the back 30-40 degrees. Then:

• Bring the seat height up until you can comfortably see the road and instruments.
• Scoot the seat forward so you can reach and completely depress all the foot pedals without coming away from the seat back.
• Bring the back forward until you are reclined at a 100-110 degree angle.
• Adjust your headrest so it rests in the middle of your head.
• Tilt seat cushion until it evenly supports your entire thigh without pressure in particular areas and does not hit the back of your knees.
• Adjust the seat belt to fit you instead of adjusting the seat to accommodate the seatbelt position.
• Bring the steering wheel down and toward you to minimize reach.

"Taking the time to be insure there is a 'Right Fit' before driving will help in the effort to decrease vehicle accidents on our roadways," says Lee County Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Cape Coral Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.