Drivers are being warned that breaking an unknown highway code rule could land them with a £1000 fine.
According to motoring experts, drivers should to perform these two essential checks before hitting the roads to prevent them getting into trouble with the law.
While not an official law, failing to adjust your driving position correctly could lead to a loss of control, potentially falling under the Highway Code rule on ‘failure to have proper control of a vehicle.’ This offence carries a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence.
Physiotherapist Fiona Brook shares that driving for long periods can lead to discomfort, stiffness and pain, particularly in the back, neck, shoulders and legs.
She said: “Prolonged sitting strains the lower back, compressing the lumbar spine and potentially causing sciatica, which manifests as radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Hip flexors also become tight from extended flexion, especially in manual car drivers, leading to nerve irritation and pain down the thigh.
New research has revealed that many drivers could be unaware of the ergonomic risks tied with spending long hours behind the wheel of their car.
Two ergonomic car checks to avoid a £1K fine
Before you get behind the wheel, LeaseCar.uk highlights the importance of conducting two essential car checks to ensure your seat and mirrors are in a position to minimise strain on the body.
Adjust your seat
Adjusting your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors isn’t just about road safety; it’s about health. The angle of your seat and position of the steering wheel can be adjusted to promote better health and comfort.
LeaseCar.uk recommends sitting as far back into the seat as possible, ensuring the backrest is in contact with as much of your back as possible. If your car has a more ergonomic seat, adjust the base to support the full length of your thighs. The ideal position for driving is for your legs and torso to be at an approximate 110 degrees angle.
For your legs, you want to ensure the seat is at a distance from the steering wheel to where you can fully press the pedals while maintaining a slight bend at the knee.
Adjust your mirrors
Position your side mirrors so that when sitting behind the wheel, you only need to make a slight turn of your head to maintain awareness of the road. This minimises the need to shift your entire body, which can lead to discomfort and strain on the neck over time. While it’s important to turn your body to check your blind spot, regular observations of side mirrors should be achieved with little movement of the neck.