How to get the correct driving position

Some of you may not know this but getting the correct sitting posture while driving is very important and could potentially be life-changing.

If you are seated perfectly, not only can you reduce the risk of back pain and fatigue, but you also have better control of the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

How do you achieve the correct driving position? Those who are used to leaning back in your seat like Dominic Toretto may feel a bit awkward at first because the correct driving position means you will be sitting slightly upright like a race car driver.

Before settling into the driver’s seat, make sure your pockets, especially the back pockets, are empty. Bulky items such as a wallet can affect your driving position.

Once seated in the driver’s seat, ensure that your back and lower back are snug against the backrest. Then, adjust the seat so that your spine and hips are in a straight line.

If you need to tilt your head up or down to see the road ahead, adjust the height of your seat and ensure your line of sight is approximately halfway up the windscreen.

On top of that, don’t forget to adjust the head restraint (or headrest) so that it’s even with the top of your head. This is vital because the headrest is there to limit head movement to prevent whiplash in accidents.

The next step is to ensure that your position is not too far or too close to the steering wheel and pedals. If your foot is slightly bent when the pedals are fully pressed down, you are in the correct position.

Similarly, your arms should be slightly bent when gripping the steering wheel at the 9-3 o’clock position. You should also be able to rest your wrists on the top of the steering wheel without having to move your shoulders away from the backrest.

These tips may sound a bit elaborated for those who are not familiar but if practiced, you will surely feel the difference, especially in terms of comfort and control.