Tips to improve your driving posture

Tips to improve your driving posture

The commute to work, working at a desk, watching television… spending much of your time sitting down is normal for most of us these days. Those suffering the most include people with a long haul commute to work and professional drivers as they are confined to a small space and as a result often suffer from neck and back pain.

Poor posture whilst driving includes a poked neck or rounded shoulders, upper back or lower back. Sound familiar?

Avoid slouching

Slouching means that your weight is loaded on the seat via your tail bone which stresses the back ligaments and discs. Further, slouching results in a reduction in your range of motion and ability to rotate your head which means you will experience reduced visibility when driving.

Adjust your steering wheel height

Your elbows should hang low and close to your body with your hands at the positions ten o’clock and two o’clock on the steering wheel.

Seat adjustment

If your seat is too low, it will cause a rounded lower back and result in a hunched position. Ensure that your seat height is kept high whilst maintaining complete vision of the road and your feet can comfortably reach the foot pedals.

Adjust your mirrors

Ensure your side and rear view mirrors are set so you have a full 180 degree view. Setting your mirrors will help you to maintain a good driving posture as if you begin to slouch you will visually be reminded of this.

Remove items from your back pockets

Driving with items in your back pocket, such as your wallet, can twist your pelvis and put a strain on your back.

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