Physical pain and restriction

Drivers need a good range of movement and strength to drive a vehicle safely. See your doctor if you have any pain or physical restriction that affects your driving, such as a back condition.

Maintaining a good posture can also help you avoid pain while you drive.

General backache

Drivers with a pre-existing back condition might find that sitting in one position and driving for several hours aggravates their condition.

You can relieve backache by:

• maintaining a good seating posture
• taking a break from driving every 2 hours to stand, stretch and walk around the vehicle
• changing posture occasionally (i.e. wriggling around in the seat when it’s safe)
• rotating drivers.

Severe back condition

Drivers with a severe back condition might lack the strength, flexibility and mobility needed to operate a vehicle safely.

This condition is recognised by law as potentially affecting driving ability. If you have a severe back condition, see your doctor before driving. (Also read about medical conditions and medications that can affect your driving).

Driving aids for backache

Pharmacies and other suppliers sell a range of aids that claim to support backache sufferers while they drive. This includes cushions, and beaded and lambs wool seat covers.

If you have back problems, get advice from a medical professional or occupational therapist before selecting and using these aids.

Good driving posture

A good driving posture includes:

• a comfortable, relaxed and well-supported seating position
• firm back support
• controls within easy reach
• unobstructed vision
• minimal static muscle work.

Here are some tips for achieving a good, safe driving posture:

• Raise your seat as high as is comfortable to improve your vision of the road. You should be able to see over the steering wheel and see the instrument panel.

• Move your seat forward until you can easily and fully depress the brake and accelerator. The balls of your feet should reach the centre of the brake and accelerator with your chest about 30cm from the steering wheel hub (and airbag).

• Tilt the seat cushion so your thighs are supported along the length of the cushion. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips when you’re seated in the vehicle. The leading edge of the seat shouldn’t touch the back of your knees.

• Adjust the backrest to provide continuous support along the full length of your back and contact up to shoulder height. Avoid reclining the seat too far, as this can cause your neck and head to bend forward excessively.

• Adjust the lumbar support to give even pressure along the width of the backrest. Ensure the lumbar support fits your back and is comfortable, with no pressure points or gaps.

• Adjust the steering wheel rearwards and downwards for easy reach.

• Grip the steering wheel with your elbows slightly bent and your hands at the quarter to or quarter past positions. Your elbows should be close to your body, not protruding or resting on the console or arm rest on the door.

• Adjust the rear vision mirrors so you can clearly see the traffic to the rear and sides of the vehicle without leaning or bending.

• Adjust the head restraint so the top of the restraint is level with the top of your head, ensuring the restraint is very close to the centre of your head and not your neck.