Why can't a person lie down in a car with a width of 1.8 meters?
2 Answers
The reason why a person cannot lie down in a car with a width of 1.8 meters is that the actual interior width is less than 1.8 meters. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Definition of car width: Car width is the distance between two planes parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal symmetry plane and respectively touching the fixed protruding parts on both sides of the vehicle. Simply put, it is the distance between the two extreme points in the width direction of the car. 2. Advantages of a wider body: The benefit of a wider car body is that passengers sitting in the back row will not feel crowded, greatly improving riding comfort. However, excessive width will reduce the convenience of driving and parking in urban areas. The generally recognized upper limit for the width of a sedan is 2 meters.
I've been in the automotive industry for over 30 years. A car width of 1.8 meters might seem quite wide, but it's not a dimension meant for lying down. Width refers to the lateral distance between the outermost points of the vehicle body, measured externally. The actual interior space is significantly reduced by door panels, interior trim, seats, etc., leaving a net width of usually just over 1.2 meters. For a person to lie down comfortably, they need longitudinal space to stretch out. Someone over 1.7 meters tall requires at least about 2 meters of space to fully extend their legs. While folding down the rear seats can provide a temporary place to lie down, the width is too narrow—turning over might result in hitting the door frame or protruding center console edges. Moreover, cars are designed primarily for safe seating, not as beds. Forcing oneself to lie down can lead to getting stuck or rolling, causing accidents. I recall an old-timer who tried sleeping in the trunk and nearly got injured when he rolled out during braking. So, never risk lying down while driving—it's much safer and more practical to find a hotel or use a rooftop tent.
