Driving posture – does it matter and is it important for safety?

March 31, 2025

What is the best Driving posture? – does it matter and is it important for safety?

Did you know, driving posture is important for your safety during an accident, as well as for reducing the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders such as neck and back pain?

Here are some tips to adjust your driving position so it is optimal for you:

Seat

• Adjust the seat height so that your hips are at least as high as your knees, if not slightly higher, whilst allowing for maximum vision of the road and having adequate head room from the roof of the vehicle
• Make sure your knees are not pressing against front of the seat – there should be at least a two-finger gap between the back of your knees at the seat. You can adjust the tilt angle of the seat cushion, making sure the thighs are supported
• Move the seat forwards so your knees are slightly bent, and you can fully depress the accelerator and clutch, without having to move your back away from the backrest of the seat. Ideally, you should have a small bend in your knees of about 20-30 degrees

Back rest

• Adjust the back rest to ensure it is providing support to the entire length of the back
• Adjust the lumbar support so it is providing support where the natural curve of your back is
• Make sure the seat is not reclined too far, to prevent having to lift the head and neck forward

Head rest

• The headrest is designed to limit movement and provide support for your head in an accident. A correctly adjusted head rest will help reduce the impact of whiplash injuries
• Adjust the head rest so that the top of the head rest is as high as the top of your head, and tilted forward to be within an inch of the back of your head

Steering wheel and arm position

• Your steering wheel should be able to be adjusted so you don’t have to change the seat to get the correct arm position
• When stationary, you should be able to sit with your back rested against the back rest of the seat, your arms straight, and your wrist bent over the edge of the steering wheel
• When driving and placing hands on the steering wheel, you should then have about a 120degree bend in your elbow, with your back and shoulders still rested against the seat

As well as getting your posture set up so it is optimal for you and your safety, you should still be taking regular breaks (at least 15 minutes every 2 hours), to avoid tiredness and discomfort from prolonged sitting postures.

When you take a break, try some of the movements below to stretch out:

Neck

Tilt your ear towards your right shoulder and hold, then repeat towards the left side

Bend your head forwards, moving your chin towards your chest, and hold

Looking straight ahead, turn your head slowly from left to right and hold at each side.

Arms and chest

With your hands interlocked, turn your palms out, stretch your arms forward and hold. Repeat with your hands held above your head.

Shoulders

Shrug your shoulders up and down and roll them forwards and back to relieve tension in the shoulders.

Legs and feet

In a sitting or standing position, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Push down through the balls of your feet and allow your heels to rise.

In a standing position, stretch one leg out in front and rest your heel on the ground with your foot pointing upwards. Lean slightly forward, feeling the stretch along the back of your leg. Repeat with the other leg.

To help you achieve the best driving posture Driving seating Assessments are available at Physiotherapy Matters. Contact us on 0191 285 8701 or email info@physiotherapymatters.co.uk for more information.