Video:Car Ergonomics for Comfortable Road Trips
with Pam SmithAre you used to feeling stiff and uncomfortable when you drive for more than a few minutes? You'll be amazed how large an effect proper seat-adjustment can have- make your road trips ergonomically correct in just a few minutes.
Transcript:Car Ergonomics for Comfortable Road Trips
Driving long distances can bring about fatigue and discomfort if you're not careful.Hi. I'm Pam Smith with About.com Autos and I am going to talk to you today about car ergonomics for long driving trips.
What is Car Ergonomics?
Car Ergonomics simply defines keeping the fatigue and discomfort levels low by avoiding stress to the body while driving.Defining a Road Trip
What is a long driving trip? Some experts say 15 minutes is considered a long travel time in a car especially when you are not sitting properly and comfortably.Seat Position for your Road Trip
Positioning is the most important aspect of driving without fatigue and discomfort. Let's start with the seat. Make sure the height of the back rest reaches your shoulders. It is best to sit back into the seat to get better back support. Assume a fairly upright position.Knees and Legs for your Road Trip
Your knees should not be higher than your hips. The low-riding driver with a reclined seat could get side aches and lumbar pain over time.Arm Position for your Road Trip
Keep both hands on the steering wheel and avoid hanging one arm partially out the window while driving. This will prevent shoulder and or arm aches.Foot Position for Road Trips
The left foot should be positioned on the dead-pedal and the right foot should be able to reach the break and accelerator without stretching the legs.Finally, take regular breaks when traveling long distances so that you can stretch your legs.
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