ABSTRACT
The use of air bags within a vehicle safety systems is widely used by all manufacturers. An air bag protects the driver or passenger through a rapid inflation of a lightweight sack. The sack has an opening within its casing to allow a controlled release of air. The inflated sack provides an air cushion to reduce the shock load to the body from high deceleration rates associated with a road traffic accident. However, there have been a number of cases reported in the press in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and United Sates of America (U.S.A.) of vehicle users being injured through close proximity to the air bag as it has inflated. Currently, there is no legislation that states a safe working distance air bag systems. Industry guidelines in the U.S.A. suggest a working distance of 10 inches (U.S.), approximately 250mm from the steering wheel hub to the driver forehead. The aim of this pilot study is to provide an initial assessment of the effect of using a foot pedal
extension on driving posture and distance from the steering wheel. Pedal extensions are used to provide access to foot pedal controls for those who may
be pregnant, small in stature, or have a disability. There are a number of pedal extensions currently available. The authors know of only one product that is produced specifically for the European market. The foot pedal extension from Eze-Drive Limited, (Leicester, U.K.), caters for a range of European configured vehicles within an adjustable clamping system. The foot pedal extension effectively moves the pedal horizontally 120 mm forward of its initial position, towards the drivers foot.
