Short Stop

Question:

I am a short, slim senior citizen and am weary of air bags. I've heard that there are seatbelts that have air bags in them. Do you think they do the job? If so, which car companies have them?

Answer:

You're probably referring to inflatable seatbelts, which Ford developed for backseat passengers - who don't get nearly the seatbelt protection of front-seat riders - to provide cushioning and to spread the yanking of the seatbelt across a wider territory. They're available on the 2011 Explorer, and the company has announced plans to add them to the Ford Flex and two Lincoln models in the coming model year.

But that's for backseats. If your concern relates to the times when you're a driver or a front-seat passenger, you can take steps to mitigate your risk. As you know, that risk is not insignificant for women of your size: About 200 small women and children have been killed by the impact of air bags.

Experts recommend you place yourself at least 10 inches away from the origination site of the air bag. Move your seat back as far as you can. If you can't reach the pedals this way, ask your dealership to install a pedal extender.

Recline the back of your seat slightly to earn another inch or so. If that impacts your ability to see over the steering wheel, buy a firm, thick cushion that won't slip. If your car has a seat-height adjustment, take it up as high as you can. If you have an adjustable steering wheel, tilt it down, directing the air bag away from your head and neck.

It's worth noting that when it's time for you to buy another car, many are better suited to shorter people. The ones routinely recommended include the Suburu Forester, with a height-adjustable driver seat standard; the Chevrolet Malibu and Maxx, which offer optional adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel; and the Volkswagen Passat.

If none of these solutions work, go to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's website to apply for permission to install an on/off switch on your air bag.

(c) CTW Features

Email questions to Sharon@ctwfeatures.com