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Driving Comfort Tips
When driving is an integral part of the job, it can take a toll on the body. Here are a few tips to increase comfort when driving the car:
A. Getting Into And Out Of The Car:
- Sit down first, then swing the legs into the car. Photo 1 shows the wrong way to get into the car and photo 2 shows the correct way. When exiting the car, swing the legs around first, then stand up.
Photo 1 |
Photo 2 |
B. Comfort In The Car:
- Bring the seat in closer so the feet and arms don’t reach for the pedals and wheel.
- Use the lumbar support in the car seat. If it does not provide enough support, purchase a lumbar roll.
- Change the leg position of the free leg often (photo 3 & 4).
- Remove the wallet from the back hip pocket.
Photo 3 |
Photo 4 |
C. Wrist Comfort:
- Hold the steering wheel with straight wrists. This means holding it at a 10 and 2 position or perhaps a 9 and 3.
- Avoid holding the wheel with bent wrists. Placing the hands at an 11:55 and 12:05 position (photo 5) will force the wrist into awkward positions. Don’t lean the elbow on the window ledge or the middle console (photo 6). Leaning can bother the ulnar nerve that wraps around the elbow.
Photo 5 |
Photo 6 |
D. Shoulder Comfort:
- Tilt the wheel down. Holding the steering wheel in its highest position forces the shoulders to contract and hurt. Long hours of driving in this position will become uncomfortable. Note the difference in shoulder position when the wheel is high (photo 7) as compared to when it is lowered (photo 8).
Photo 7 |
Photo 8 |
E. Stretching
- Stretch every time you get out of the car to increase blood flow, relieve tension, increase flexibility and comfort. Follow these simple instructions to avoid injury and get all of the benefits of stretching:
- Stretch s-l-o-w-l-y and gradually, putting a constant stretch on the muscle
- DON’T BOUNCE!
- Tension, not pain, should be felt in the muscle.
- Hold the stretch for 5 to 15 seconds.
- Keep breathing. Continue to breath slowly but steadily throughout the stretch.
"Information or recommendations contained in these articles were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations."
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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