Did you know your seating position could be the difference between safe driving and a dangerous accident? Proper seating doesn’t just enhance comfort – it directly affects your steering, use of pedals, and overall vision, giving you greater control and reducing risk.

In Oman, I’ve noticed many drivers adopt seating positions that compromise all these factors.

A common habit involves positioning the seat as low and far back as possible, with the seatback reclined so severely that drivers must pull themselves upright by holding onto the steering wheel. This creates a gap between their back and the seat, making it impossible to maintain proper control. Worse still, some drivers sit so low that their shoulders barely rise above the door line.

This poor posture not only reduces control and visibility but also leads to discomfort, which can be distracting.

Achieving the Best Seating Position

1. Seatback Angle: Sit slightly reclined with your shoulders comfortably resting against the seatback. Your back should be fully supported, with no gaps between it and the seat.

2. Seat Distance: Adjust the seat so your legs can easily reach the pedals without stretching. When pressing the brake pedal fully, your knees should remain slightly bent.

3. Steering Wheel Position: Position the wheel so it’s comfortably within reach. You should be able to rest your wrists on the top of the wheel without lifting your shoulders from the seatback.

4. Hand Placement: Picture the steering wheel as a clock. Place your left hand between ‘9’ and ‘10’ and your right hand between ‘2’ and ‘3.’ This gives you maximum control and reduces fatigue.

The Danger of Poor Techniques

Several common habits among drivers can compromise safety:

1. Single-Handed Steering

Many drivers rest one hand at the ‘12 o’clock’ position or on their lap. This drastically limits your ability to respond to emergencies. Worse, if a collision occurs, this position increases the risk of injury.

2. Sitting Too Close

Some drivers sit with their arms almost fully bent and their chest too close to the steering wheel. This restricts smooth steering movements and places the upper body dangerously close to the airbag. Remember, airbags are designed to deploy with maximum safety when there’s an adequate distance between them and your chest. Always check your vehicle handbook for guidance.

3. Crossing Hands

Avoid crossing your hands while turning the wheel. In the event of an airbag deployment, your arms could be pushed into your face at high speed, causing unnecessary injury. Instead, use a push-pull steering method, which keeps your hands on either side of the wheel.

4 Flat-Palm Steering

Another common error is using a flat palm to rotate the wheel, allowing the wheel to slip under your hand. This technique reduces control and increases the likelihood of losing grip during critical manoeuvres.

The Problem with Over-Relaxation

A proper seating position doesn’t just improve control – it also keeps your mind sharp. Drivers who slouch behind the wheel often appear disengaged, as if lounging in front of the TV rather than piloting a potentially lethal machine. This relaxed posture can lead to mental complacency, reducing reaction times and increasing risks.

The link between physical and mental engagement is clear: “Slouched body = slouched mind.” Sitting upright in a controlled position not only gives you better visibility and control but also reinforces an alert and focused mind set.

The Benefits of Best Practice

Adopting the correct seating position has several advantages:

Enhanced Vision: A higher seating position improves your ability to see the road ahead and check your surroundings.

Improved Control: Proper posture ensures that you can steer and operate the pedals smoothly and effectively.

Reduced Risk of Injury: In the event of a collision, a correct seating position minimises the chance of injury from airbags, or even your seat belt.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a safer driving environment for yourself and others on the road.

Safe driving!

[The writer Jeremy Fox is a British driving and road safety expert. Since 2009, he has managed the driver-training operations of Technical & Administrative Training Institute. He considers it his privilege to have contributed to Oman’s improved road safety.]