Driving Ergonomics

What to look for and how to adjust your vehicle.

NOTE: Each vehicle make and model has different features and controls. Refer to the manufacturer's manual for more information on your vehicle.

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6 Key Areas of Focus for Ideal Driving Postures

1. SEAT PAN

• Height: raise to allow for increased visibility while allowing for head clearance to sit upright
• Angle: adjust to evenly support thighs on the seat
• Length: adjust to allow space (2-3 fingers) between back of knee and seat edge
• Shape: cradle thighs – no pressure points
• Cushion: firm support

2. BACKREST

• Angle: adjust 90°–110° from the seat pan
• Lumbar support: position the height of the support on the low back and adjust the depth between 2-4 cm from the backrest

3. PEDALS

• Distance: adjust seat forward or backward to depress pedals without extending the hip and knee or leaning forward out of the backrest

4. STEERING WHEEL

• Distance: adjust to at least 25 cm from body (for air bag deployment)
• Angle: adjust to allow relaxed arm position and leg clearance
• Technique: hold the sides of the wheel (9:00 & 3:00 positions) to maintain relaxed arm positions, close to the body

5. CONTROLS

• Distance: adjust seat forward or backward so controls are within full arm’s reach

6. HEAD RESTRAINT

• Height: adjust between ear level and top of head
• Angle: adjust so that it is touching or positioned just behind the back of the head in an upright neck position