Driving Ergonomics

Driving can sometimes be stressful both mentally and physically. On one hand, traffic and road rage can contribute negatively to your mood. On the other hand, it’s not just the external factors that can make your daily car journey or road trip less pleasurable. In fact, the way you sit in the car and your posture while driving can contribute to neck, shoulder and back pain.

Give yourself one minute to take a look at these tips before the next time you get in the car.

• Try adjusting your seat to a biomechanically advantageous position for your spine. The least amount of pressure on your low back joints and discs occurs when the seat is reclined about 30 degrees.

• Make sure that you are not sitting too high or too low compared to the steering wheel.

• Bring your head back, touching the headrest and bring your shoulders back. While driving try thinking about lengthening your spine.

• Your arms should be as relaxed as possible, slightly bending the elbows. Consider utilising the armrests on either side.

• Try positioning your hands on the wheel at 4 and 8, as this hand position may be put less stress on your neck and shoulders.

• Bend your knees slightly.

• Find the time to take regular breaks during long car drives. Preferably, according to the scientific literature, you should avoid driving for more than 2 hours without taking a brief break to stretch.