Whether it’s running quick errands around town, making your way to work, or cruising along on a fun road trip - whenever you’re driving, you need to be sitting comfortably and safely. Having a poor driving position can lead to ongoing health issues and can impact your judgment when driving, potentially increasing your risk of an accident on the road. So how do you know what your perfect driving position is, and how do you set it up right?
Here we cover exactly why your driving position matters, the seven components that contribute to the perfect driving position and a step-by-step guide so you can get behind the wheel confidently and comfortably today.
Why Does Driving Position Matter?
Having the right driving position for you is important for your well-being and the safety of you and others on the road. Getting from A to B is very similar to sitting at a desk. If left unchecked, an incorrect driving position can be detrimental to your health – causing anything from a stiff neck or an achy back to ongoing chronic pain that could impact your ability to perform other everyday tasks.
Here are a few injuries that an incorrect driving position could cause:
- Back pain & aches
- Shoulder tension
- Foot cramps
- Hand and finger cramps
- Eye strain
- Long-term muscle, joint, and even spinal injuries
When you are not seated correctly behind the wheel, you potentially put yourself and others on the road at risk.
Here are 3 good reasons why having the right driving position is important to everyone on the road:
Visibility
A driving position set to your body height and dimensions will provide you with clear visibility out of the front, rear and side windows, as well as your side mirrors. By minimising any blind spots, you are better prepared to see other vehicles and pedestrians on the road.
Control
A poor driving position could result in losing control of your car and becoming a danger to yourself and others sharing the road with you. If you are seated in the best driving position, you will feel confident behind the steering wheel and have easy access to essential instruments like your headlights, indicators, and windshield wipers.
Fatigue
Sitting in the wrong position increases your fatigue levels. This can impact your ability to stay awake behind the wheel or significantly affect your response time to certain situations. Having a comfortable driving position gives you the alertness and readiness to respond to any possible hazards and makes it safer for you, your passengers and everyone else around you.
7 Areas To Adjust For Your Perfect Driving Position
Here is a list of the seven adjustments you need to make to the driver’s seat to find your perfect driving position:
Seat Position
Adjusting your seat position back and forth is dependent on your height. Everyone is different in terms of their height, the length of their legs, and their body – so not one position fits all. You’ll know when you have the perfect seat position when there’s a slight bend of the knee (20 to 30 degrees), and you can easily step down on the pedals without having to stretch for it. Just remember that as long as your comfort does not compromise your control, you’re safe.
Seat Height
A low or high seat height can strain your legs, calves and knees while also sacrificing visibility over your windows and dashboards. To set up your seat height for the perfect driving position, sit down, place your foot on the brake pedal and check that there is space for two fingers between the back of your knee and the seat. You’ll also need to ensure that it’s high enough, where your eye level is roughly 8cm above the steering wheel.
Backrest Angle
Leaning too far back or too far forward when driving can injure your back and neck. So setting up your backrest angle for a correct driving position is essential - recline it back to an angle between 100 and 115 degrees, and it will help reduce the pressure on the discs located in your lower back.
Steering Wheel Placement
A good steering wheel placement lets you see the dashboard and use your instruments (indicators, windshield wipers, headlights etc.) without any obstruction. When you extend your arm, your wrist should rest gently on the top of the steering wheel while your shoulder is back against the seat. Some vehicles like the S-Cross have the ability to pull the steering wheel up and down, as well as forwards and backwards, so you can adjust the wheel placement to fit you perfectly.
Headrest Position
Your headrest is an integral part of your driving position. To adjust it, set it at a height where the middle of your head rests on it. Adjust the front-to-back position so that your collarbone and neck muscles are in line with your ear when in a neutral position. Push the headrest forward so that it is aligned with the back of your head.
Seat-base Angle
Cars usually come with a default seat-angle position, much like a rollercoaster, with the front being much higher than the rear. While this stops you from slipping forwards when you speed up, it can strain your back. To set up your seat base for the perfect driving angle, adjust it as horizontally as you feel comfortable.
Mirror Position
Your rear and side mirrors give you a clear view of the vehicles and pedestrians around your car. To adjust your mirrors, your rear-view mirror should be in a position that gives you optimal visibility of what’s behind your car, and the side-view mirror should slightly include the side of your vehicle and everything next to you.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Set Your Perfect Driving Position
It’s time to get comfortable behind the wheel, so here’s what you need to do to set the perfect driving position for you:
- Place your bottom as close to the backrest as possible. Use the lever to slide the seat forwards or backwards so that there is a slight bend in the knees when you fully step on the pedals.
- Using the lever, adjust the height so there is a two-finger spacing between the edge of the seat and your knee. Ensure you have an unobstructed view of the surroundings and easy access to your indicators, wipers, and headlights.
- Press your shoulders against the backrest and adjust the tilt of your seat. There should be a slight bend of the elbows when you’re reaching for the steering wheel, and your shoulders should not lift off when turning it.
- Position your steering wheel in a way that allows you to view your instruments without sacrificing the view of the road.
- Fix up your headrest by pushing it up and down and forwards and backwards if they have this function. The top of the headrest should be aligned at the same level as the top of your head.
- Use the controls to adjust the base of your seat. It should be as horizontal as possible and allow you to step all the way down on the pedals easily.
- Set up your rear-view and side mirrors where you have complete visibility of other vehicles and pedestrians around you.
- You are now ready to go. If you’re looking for some more driving tips, one of the world’s top female rally drivers, Emma Gilmour, has the answers for you!
If you’re looking to buy a new car and want the process to be a smooth one, we’ve got you covered. All you need to do is download our Ultimate Guide to Buying a New Car today!
