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TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Seating position
Are you sitting comfortably?
In the first of a series on improving your driving technique, Olivia Baldock goes back to basics and starts with the driver’s seating position
A driver’s seating position is important for both the comfort of the driver and crucial to the way the driver controls their vehicle. Establishing a comfortable driving position when you first sit in the driver’s seat, and before you start driving, means that you’ll be less likely to fiddle with your seat, steering wheel or mirrors while on the move and can pay more attention to the task of driving. So how should your seat be adjusted? A good place to start is at the bottom and work your way up. First, check the height of the seat: make sure you are sitting high enough to have a clear view of the road ahead and well above the top of the steering wheel. From there, check the bottom of the
seat is in the correct position so you can reach the pedals. Slide the seat to a place where you can depress the clutch pedal to the floor, with a slight bend in your knee when the clutch is engaged fully. You shouldn’t be either right on top of the controls or at full stretch. Next, check the rake or angle of the
seat back. Driving instructor Ronnie Mapes, who specialises mainly in advanced driving, says: “I see so many drivers with obviously the wrong seating position, which in turn reduces their overall control and compromises comfort. Many drivers look as if they are watching TV, or at the other end of the scale, sitting bolt upright at the dining table, which isn’t natural.” With this in mind, the back of the seat should be upright enough to support
driving | April / May 2011
you but at the same time allow you to feel at ease. The head restraint should be positioned so the top of the restraint is in line with the top of your head to minimise the chances of whiplash in the event of a collision. Another important consideration
is the steering wheel. You may have seen various examples of ‘alternative’ seating positions, such as the ‘boy racer’ who sits as if they are watching TV with one hand on the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position. It does make you wonder how they would have control over their vehicle in an emergency situation. Then there is the ‘nervous
driver’ position. These are the people who sit far too close to the steering wheel and apart from anything else, run the risk of injury if the airbag were to deploy. Once the seat is in position, then bring the steering wheel rake and reach to you, not the other way around. Adjust the steering wheel out far enough so that you can stretch your arm out and sit your wrist at twelve o’clock. If you can do this, then when you put your hands at the ten to two or quarter to three position, you should have a bend in your arm so you are not at full stretch. The steering wheel must also
be placed so you can clearly see the instrument panel, including the dials and any warning lights. Your grip on the steering wheel
should be light when travelling in a straight line. When negotiating bends and junctions, more grip is needed, but not so much that your knuckles turn white, as your arms will quickly become tired. Your mirrors should be adjusted last of all, maximising all-round visibility, once the seat and steering wheel are in place. Are you now sitting comfortably? Then it’s time to start your engine…
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