With the School Holidays fast approaching here are some tips to maximise your comfort during your driving holidays.
Ergonomic Driving Position
Here are a few quick checks and tips to ensure that your driving position is adjusted for you and your driving is as comfortable as possible. Not all cars will have all of these potential adjustments so check your manual and skip steps that don’t apply.
1- To adjust the seat, push the seat all the way back and recline the seat to 30-40 degrees.
2- Bring the seat height up (if adjustable) until you can comfortably see the road and instruments. 3- Move the seat forward so you can reach and completely depress all the foot pedals, without coming away from the seatback.
4- Bring the seatback forward until you are reclined at a comfortable angle, roughly 100-110 degrees.
5- Ensure that the top of the headrest is no lower than the top of your ears. Make sure it is positioned close to the head.
6- Adjust the lumbar support so you have even back support that feels supportive and comfortable. (A lumbar cushion or rolled towel can be added if you feel that the backrest of your car is not supporting you fully)
7- Tilt the seat cushion (if adjustable) until it evenly supports your entire thigh without pressure in particular areas and does not hit the back of your knees. (Ensure that your hips are at roughly the same height as your knees. If your hips are too low, try adding a folded towel, cushion or wedge to the back of the seat)
8- Adjust the seat belt to fit the adjusted driving position.
9- Bring the steering wheel down and toward you to minimise reach – with your arms outstretched over the top of the steering wheel the wrists should break over the top of the steering wheel.
10- Once you’re comfortable driving position has been established, adjust your mirrors accordingly. If you start to slouch down or get into a bad position the mirrors may feel as though they need to be adjusted – use this as a cue to sit up taller.
11- Fine tune the above adjustments as necessary. You can make minor adjustments to your driving position occasionally to slightly change the pressure on your body. Be sure to stay in a safe, supported position.
Other Tips
1- Avoid using the car as an office. Using a laptop in the other seat creates twisting of the spine.
2- Avoid reaching into the back of the car from the front seat. If you need to access things in the back, use the backdoors.
3- Try varying your hold on the steering wheel from time to time to relax the neck and shoulders. Try using 10 and 2 o’clock or 9 and 3 o’clock.
4- Try and keep your wrists straight while holding the steering wheel.
5- When getting into the car, try sitting first and then swing your legs into the car. To get out, slide the legs out first then stand up to decrease low back strain. With fabric seats, try placing a plastic pocket or bag on the seat to help you swivel.
6- Take frequent breaks to get out of the car and stretch – at least every 2 hours.