How To Drive Comfortably

Dreading a long drive ahead because you get tired, uncomfortable and maybe a bit bored?

We hear you, driving can give us back pain, neck pain and dead legs when we stop and stand up…  

Posture is key, so we’ve got some tips to make sure your drive is as comfortable as it can be so you enjoy driving to your next destination…even if that’s to work!

1. You should sit into the back of the seat so you’re aligned with the backrest.  This will allow your spine to achieve its ‘natural shape’. You’ll have a slight curve near the bottom of your back and your shoulders won’t feel hunched over.
2. Again, be aware of hunching over.  Rest your shoulders as close as you can to the backrest but still make sure the steering wheel is reachable easily with a slight bend in your elbows.  You don’t want your arms fully stretched out straight to drive!
3. Sit in the middle of your seat to distribute your weight evenly.
4. Check that your legs aren’t either fully extended t reach the pedals, or completely squashed with your knees hitting the steering wheel.  You need to have a slight bend in them so you can reach the pedals all the way down if they need to. You’ll know what feels most comfortable!
5. Try and get a couple of inches of space in between the car seat and where the back of your knees rest.  Again, just adjust until you feel comfortable.
6. The headrest needs to be positioned right behind your head to support it as much as it can.  Don’t have it really low or too high! Also, the backrest should finish around your shoulder height, which is the case for most people.
7. This is important for safety and comfort: make sure your mirrors are positioned to give you a 180-degree view behind you whilst you’re in your newly adjusted seat.  You will know if your body slips out of the correct posture as you won’t be able to see in the mirrors as well.
8. Rest! These tips can help you feel really comfortable, but ultimately you’re bound to feel a bit stiff after a long drive.  After you get out the car have a big stretch and let your body to recover before you start unloading your car.
9. Take a break.  If you feel too uncomfortable driving, then pull over in a safe place like a service station, get out and have a stretch.  You need to be on your best form whilst driving and it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get somewhere as long as you do so safely!