Being short-statured can sometimes pose be a challenge to our self-esteem especially when we find it difficult to do things that “regular” people do – like drive a car. Car manufacturers seem to assume that there is a “normal average height and make their products to appeal to these.
What about those who are shorter? Being of a “shorter than average” stature, I usually find it difficult to reach the car pedals while driving as it requires extending beyond my comfort level to press the pedals. It is frustrating and is a constant reminder of your lack of height.
The result is that it makes driving tiresome and ends up making one feel less capable.
While I did not vent my frustrations publicly my wife knew how I felt and recently ordered a pedal extender.
I was astounded by how this resolved the problem instantly. It is a simple but certainly necessary accessory for any short driver. As soon as I fixed it and started using it driving was not so tiresome and it became so convenient that I forgot about all my frustrations and complaints.
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Contents
What is a pedal extender?
A pedal extender is an accessory that allows you to reach the pedals without overly extending your foot. It is especially useful for long drives where short stature driver finds it difficult to rest their heels and hence get fatigued easily. It makes driving comfortable for short drivers and safe to drive.
Benefits of a Pedal Extender
Makes driving comfortable
When short people drive they have to constantly overreach to reach the pedal and since your feet have t be on the pedal all the time as you never know when you will need to accelerate or press the brakes.
This prevents the driver from resting the heels on the floor of the car and hence increases the fatigue while driving.
Makes driving pain free
Overreaching the legs and not being able to rest the heels can lead to alls sorts of pains and muscle fatigue of the legs and the back.
Using a pedal removes the cause of the pain and helps you to be pain-free.
Also, it prevents the development of future issues caused by the uncomfortable seating positions short-statured drivers have to adapt to compensate for the lack of height.
Makes driving safe
Short drivers have to extend their legs and hence do not remain at a safe distance from the airbag.
They tend to sit very near to the steering wheel and airbag of the vehicle. This can have dangerous consequences in case of a crash.
10 inches is suggested as the ideal distance to position the face and the chest away from the airbag. This can be made possible by effectively adjusting the pedal extender.
Types of Pedal Extender
Pedal Extenders for Manual Transmission
Manual transmission cars require constant use of the clutch pedal especially if you are driving in the city. If the clutch pedal is too far then it is better than you invest in a pedal extender immediately.
Check the Pedal Extender on Amazon
Unlike an automatic transmission, the manual transmission has the hassle of constantly changing gears. This involves the constant use of the clutch and can turn out as tiresome if you do not get the pedal extenders.
Clutch Pedal Extender
Clutch Pedal extender is fixed on the clutch to enable the shorter drivers to reach the clutch and operate the clutch smoothly.
You can check out the Clutch Pedal Extender on Amazon