The car seat is not a armchair! No improvised positions: we don't sit down to relax, but to be focused and safe. A correct position is the fundamental starting point for a smooth and comfortable drive and for performing all maneuvers optimally. The physical forces acting on the car during driving tend to move the body in the seat, sometimes abruptly. A correct position can reduce the extent of these movements and promotes driving sensitivity and vehicle control, especially in extreme situations.
The objection "I only drive in the city anyway" doesn't count: a correct position is always important. Even in situations commonly considered low-risk, it reduces fatigue and muscle tension and allows you to face any unexpected event in the best possible conditions.
What elements should we consider? Seat height, position of legs, torso, headrest, and hands. Let's begin.
Compatible with our height, the seat should be positioned as low as possible, close to the car's center of gravity. Why is this important? Proximity to the center of gravity allows for greater driving sensitivity, which is fundamental for vehicle control.
The legs: not too bent but not too straight. Legs bent almost at 90 degrees? We are too close to the pedals! The muscle tension is excessive, and the legs can hinder steering wheel movements. Legs almost straight? We are too far away. Pedal movement is less precise and effective, and pressing them fully is more difficult. In case of braking, the stopping distance could dangerously increase.
The correct leg position allows for optimal use of the accelerator, brake, and clutch. The seat should be adjusted so that, when pressing the clutch fully, the leg remains slightly bent. The thigh should be well supported, and the heel should be against the mat. In the event of an impact, legs in this position will better withstand the impact. In cars with automatic transmission (where there is no clutch), the adjustment is made in the same way, but by pressing the brake pedal with the right foot.
The foot should press only on the lower part of the pedal, without completely covering it. The heel is always resting on the mat, to act as a pivot: this way, the foot can quickly move from the accelerator to the brake. If not in use, the left foot should remain resting on the wheel well. Not on the clutch!
And for now, we'll stop here. In a future article, we will look at the other correct adjustments. If you don't want to wait, you can find everything in our manual Safe Driving, available on Amazon in print version and on Lulu in print version and as an ebook.
