Do you ache after a long car journey? How the right driving posture can help
Do you often get achy and stiff after a long drive? Find out why your driving posture could be to blame – and how to fix it.
For many people, driving can be a relaxing getaway from the busy-ness of life. For others, the driver’s seat is their office for eight hours a day.
For anyone that gets behind the wheel for long periods of time though, aches and pains from sitting and driving are inevitable. And it’s easy to assume these are inevitable.
But have you ever considered that how you’re sitting could be causing those sore joints and stiff muscles? Adopting the proper driving posture isn’t just a good idea to keep in mind – it’s worth putting into practice.
Not only will adopting the right posture when driving help reduce aches and pains, but it will also lessen the wear and tear on your body. If you spend all day behind the wheel, you could save hours of pain and discomfort.
So what kind of changes should you be making? Adjusting your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel for optimum safety and comfort is essential when driving. Safe and confident drivers are in control of their vehicles at all times, and that growing crick in your neck or tightening charlie horse in your thigh won’t only cause you discomfort – they can prove to be dangerous distractions.
However, by following the proper driving posture guidelines outlined in the infographic below, you can ensure both safety and comfort on the road.
Just make sure all adjustments are made while you are safely parked. And if you are making drastic adjustments, allow some practice drives in a safe location to get used to the changes. It may feel odd initially, but these posture guidelines are designed to follow maximum safety and comfort specifications.
With that said, humans just aren’t meant to sit in the same position for hours on end. No matter how perfect your posture, smart stretching will always keep you limber and relaxed while on the road. Many stretches can safely be done on the road, while stuck in traffic, or at a stoplight.
For those long drives, rest-area stretches can help boost your blood flow and ease pain. These stretches are especially useful for people with arthritis, who are 87% more likely to be in a car accident due to distracting pain and stiffness.
Driving doesn’t have to be a pain. A relaxing jaunt through the country or a nighttime ride downtown can be enjoyable activities. And for those who make a living behind the wheel, reducing fatigue behind the wheel helps ensure both safety and productivity.
So the next time you get behind the wheel, take a few minutes and work on your driving posture. Your body will thank you.
Photo by Jenny Ueberberg
