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Cars and Driving
How can we avoid discomfort in a car where we are not encouraged to move in our seat?
Great consideration needs to be given to the ergonomics of the car and the position of the driver.
Listed below are certain features in a car that you should be aware of.
SEATING
The seat needs to comfortable and supportive with independent height and tilt adjustment. Make sure that the material on the seat allows freedom of movement of the driver. The seat should be central and square on to the steering wheel, windscreen and road.
The seat base needs to support the legs to the back of the knee. The base should not tilt the knees up higher than the bottom and should be wider than the hips and thighs. The movement in the seat should allow the driver to operate the pedals without stretching their legs or arms to reach any controls. The seat should be positioned so that the range of vision is very clear.
The back of the seat should support the spine, come up to the spine but not inhibit rear vision. The back should be wider than the drivers shoulders and give support to all levels of the spine.
SEATBELT
Make sure that this is placed in a position that is comfortable to the driver and not inhibiting movement.
STEERING WHEEL
Adjustments (up and down and also in and out) are important in the steering wheel. The steering wheel should be centrally positioned and not at and angle. The steering wheel should not obstruct the view of the controls and information given by the display. Power steering is a great help in avoiding neck, shoulder and upper body strain.
