This article is sponsored by Honda
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Sitting in the driver’s seat is not much different from sitting at your work desk. If you find yourself with a backache, stiff neck, and sore shoulders, especially after driving for longer distances in your daily commute, there’s a chance that you don’t have the correct sitting posture.
Poor driving posture can lead to higher risk of discomfort and potentially chronic pain over time. You may think that having sore limbs isn’t that big of a deal, but this is just the least of the problem because you could succumb to more serious injuries if you get into an accident in this state!
Before you start blaming the car for being too small and compact for your height or too old and worn out for comfort, sometimes, all it takes is a simple adjustment to your driving position.
Here are some tips on how to feel more comfortable behind the wheel:
Adjust your seat height
Your eye level should be at least three inches above the steering wheel, with ample space between your head and the roof of your car, of course. This makes it easier for you to see the road and instrument panel without having to stretch your neck.
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Don’t sit too close to the wheel because you’re more likely to get head, neck, and chest injuries in a collision this way. With your knees slightly bent, you should be able to reach the pedals and step on them all the way to the floor without feeling like you’re on your tiptoes.
Lean back just enough
You want to recline your seat to about 100 to 110 degrees. This position puts the least pressure on your back. Leaning too far back may cause you to force your head and neck forward to get a better view, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain in the long run.
If you’re used to slouching in your seat, you need to stop. Your tailbone and back should be straight up against the seat to support your body better when you drive.
Support your back with a lumbar
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An effective way to know whether you’re sitting straight enough is by placing a two or three-finger gap between the back of your knees and front of your seat. You can also use a lumbar pillow or back cushion to help you get the right position.
Make sure that your hips are lifted, which means the entire length of your thighs are supported with your knees slightly lower than your hips. It’s almost like the seats you get at the cinema. Getting the right hip placement can increase blood circulation to your back and relax your hips at the same time.
Set your headrest
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The position of the headrest is important because it helps to reduce whiplash injuries if you—touch wood—ever get into a rear-end accident. Most car seats come with adjustable headrests, so you should be able to set it to the right height.
Make sure you’re seated upright, then adjust the headrest to be between the top of your ears and top of your head. Your head should be in a neutral position, as if you have a small ball tucked under your chin. Or you could just ask someone to watch and see if you’re doing it correctly!
Adjust your mirrors
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Once you’ve adjusted your sitting posture, you can turn to the mirrors. Again, avoid straining your neck and stressing your body when you look into the rear view and side mirrors. Needless to say, this is important for the driver to ensure optimum safety and posture.
Fix your steering wheel
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Cars fitted with airbags typically need a safety distance between 10 to 12 inches for them to work best. When the car is stationary, you should be able to sit with your shoulder blades pressed into the back of the seat. Then, straighten your arm and your wrist should just bend over the edge of the steering wheel. When you’re driving, your arms should be bent around 120 degrees as you manoeuvre the wheel.
The height of the steering wheel should be at the same level as your chest, giving you a clear view of the dashboard with your palms lower than your shoulders. Grip the wheel lightly following the nine o’clock and three o’clock positions. Avoid driving with one hand on the wheel, even if it looks cool!
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Just like when you’re working at your office desk, your driving posture should be ergonomic as well to give you a comfortable drive regardless of the distance. Of course, having a car that prioritises safety and comfort helps too.
The latest Honda City 1.5L V-SENSING now comes with the most complete advanced safety features in the B-Segment!
These features include Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Auto High Beam (AHB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
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The new variant also comes with a 7-inch TFT digital instrument display, 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine, as well as a 519L cargo.
The Honda City 1.5L V-SENSING is priced below RM100,000, and on top of that, you can enjoy inclusive SST discounts from now until 30 June 2022 too!
What are you waiting for? Visit Honda’s website or the nearest Honda authorised dealer to book your brand new Honda!