I would like to file a complaint RE: Knee Clearance

I think its all the compromises that need to be made to prevent the friendly explosive pillow in the steering wheel from killing you. First, add an airbag. Then, add the knee bolsters so you won't submarine when you don't wear your belts anymore because you have an airbag. Then make the seatbelts less effective, so people will wear them. Then, move the steering wheel farther away from the driver so your head stands a chance of remaining attached to your neck when the friendly explosive pillow tries to murder you.

Its all good.

I suspect that a lot of these airbags don't go off until forces are high enough (or the car thinks they will be) that the driver is way more important than the car. I'm actually impressed with how reluctant a lot of airbags are to go off in minor accidents.

When I was getting my CDL/school bus license there was suggested a way to determine the proper distance from the steering wheel.

Sit back in the seat, extend your arm until your wrist rests on top of the wheel or your elbow is against the seat back and your hand can grip the bottom of the wheel.

Works for me.

In reply to iceracer:

Where do you put your knees?

I rented a cts caddy once, couldnt believe how bad it was with my knees hitting the dashboard...if it was a ctsv i wouldn't have minded of course

So, the other cars I've mentioned that fit me well all have airbags as well. Are there knee airbags now? What has changed that makes airbags so much harder to package?

This is why I feel like its only an issue with "tall" cars. My Miatas, Saturns, Z32, Sentra, etc. all have low seating positions. I haven't investigated closely, but I can't recall running into this issue in modern cars with relatively low seats - Avalon, Sonata/Optima, etc.

ProDarwin wrote: This is why I feel like its only an issue with "tall" cars. My Miatas, Saturns, Z32, Sentra, etc. all have low seating positions. I haven't investigated closely, but I can't recall running into this issue in modern cars with relatively low seats - Avalon, Sonata/Optima, etc.

Low seats mean a more horizontal pedal reach, so you'll sit further back from the pedals to get your legs comfortable. That changes things a lot.

In reply to Streetwiseguy: Between my ankle and my hip.

Really, things just fall into place.

This is not my idea, it was shown and suggested in class.