If you’ve been driving for awhile, it’s probably not something you think you need to change. In reality, many people aren’t sitting in the best position for control, comfort or posture. Here are some helpful tips to use to ensure you are using the best position while driving as possible.
Start at the “home” position.
- Lower the chair as much as you can.
- Adjust steering wheel all the way up and tilted forward, if your wheel allows for tilt.
- Push chair all the way back as possible.
- Take off the lumbar, making the back of the chair flat.
Once this position is reached, you will most likely feel like you couldn’t drive even if you wanted to. That’s okay because this is just to “reset” your seat, so to speak.
Now it’s time to adjust your chair to your most comfortable and safe position. Here’s where to begin:
- Raise your seat.
Many people don’t even realize they can raise/lower their driver’s seat. Raise the seat so that you can clearly see the dashboard, but can also have a good view out the windshield. - Move the chair forward/backward.
When you are sitting in the driver’s seat, your knees should be slightly bent. Locking your knees can reduce circulation and may lead to you becoming woozy or even passing out. Not to mention, fully extended legs while driving gives the driver less control. - Adjust the steering wheel.
You want to make sure you can still see your gauges when moving your wheel. Another tip for knowing it’s in a good position is by making sure your hands can move around the entire wheel without hitting your knees. - Adjust lumbar for support.
Lumbar support for your lower back can be a saving grace during long drives, or during drives of any length if you suffer from back pain. If your car seat does not have integrated lumbar support, you can buy a strap-on cushion.
Adjust the lumbar support so that the curve of your spine is evenly supported. Make sure not to overdo it. You want a gentle, even support, not one that will push your spine into an S-shape. - Recline for comfort.
This is based mainly on what is comfortable for the driver. However, you don’t want to be tilted too far that you lose sight of the road and you don’t want to be tilted too far forward that you can’t drive comfortably. - Adjust the headrest.
The top of the headrest should line up with the top of your ears to protect you from any immediate stops that may cause whiplash.
Another way to ensure you are driving as safely as you can be would be to adjust your mirrors to the correct positions. For a look at where your mirrors should be positioned, click here.
And for more information regarding cars, check out RoadShow on Youtube.
