my car

poor posture puts motorists at risk

Passengers who sit with their feet on the dashboard, drivers who seat too closely to the steering wheel and anyone who sits with poor posture in a car are putting themselves at greater risk of serious injury if involved in a collision, according to RACV and its research partner Insurance Australia Group (IAG).

A study of occupant seating has found anecdotal evidence that many people are either sitting poorly or in positions that may add to their injuries in a crash.

"Many modern vehicles come with driver and passenger airbags. Some even have side impact airbags. While they increase occupant protection, a driver or passenger sitting poorly could suffer increased injury if the airbag deploys," said RACV Chief Engineer- Vehicles, Michael Case.

If your feet were on the dashboard and a crash occurred that deployed a passenger airbag, it would inflate at high speeds, driving your legs back in toward your face or out away from your hips and knees dramatically increasing the severity of any injury.

"Drivers sitting too close to steering wheels also increase the chances of a more severe injury from an airbag. They need to be at least 30cms from the steering wheel to give the airbag the chance to properly deploy and to give the seatbelt time to absorb any forward motion."

Mr Case said there were many anecdotal reports of poor occupant posture in vehicles and that people needed to be aware that it could have a highly negative effect should they be involved in a collision.

He also urged manufacturers to provide adjustable pedals and steering wheels to help shorter people achieve good driving positions without being forced to sit too closely to steering wheels.

RACV safety tips for safe driving positions:

• Each person is different so passengers should adjust their seatbelt and seating accordingly
• Never put feet or knees on or against the dashboard
• Always keep your hands and arms completely within the confines of the car
• Drivers must have a clear view of the road and be able to reach the controls easily without being cramped
• The distance from the steering wheel should be at least 30cm

• insurance australia group - nrma technical research centre