In
every sports discipline, the first thing one learns is how to stand, address
the ball in golf, how to hold the club, racquet or bat. In martial arts or
boxing your stance is all important.
So, Get
into the driver’s seat and settle down comfortably. That is the first and most
important rule.
Your
sitting distance from the dash board should be with the knees slightly bent.
While pushing the clutch and brake pedals, fully depressed, the legs should not
be straight.
If
your legs are straight you are sitting too far back, in case of a frontal
collision or in the event of emergency braking your knees will lock up and take
most of the force and your joints will absorb all the impact. A very good
chance of having multiple fractures. Bended knees will cushion the impact in case
of frontal collision, thus saving your legs.
The
angle of your seatback will determine how far back your body is from the
steering wheel. This will affect the positioning of your arms. If your elbows
are straight, your arm movement will be restricted and in case of a collision
your elbows will be locked. The impact force will likely cause injuries to your
elbows and shoulders.
The
ideal sitting position should be when your arms are slightly bent, like your
legs in a relaxed position.
This
posture will allow your arms to move freely and not obstruct each other when
you try to swing the steering wheel.
Your
shoulders should be against the back rest of the seat. Adjust your seat so that
your wrists hang over the steering wheel.
The
height of the steering wheel should be where the rim is not above the lower
part of the windscreen. The instrument panel should be easily visible.
Hands
should be at 3’o clock and 9’o clock position. This will allow the maximum manoeuvrability
for turning the steering wheel. Grip the
steering wheel gently but firmly.
The
height of the head rests is crucial. The function of the headrest is to protect
your neck in case of a rear end collision, known as a whiplash.
Whiplash
is when, in case of a rear end collision to your vehicle, your head is thrown
back violently. This could snap your spine! The headrest will prevent this.
The
proper adjustment for the headrest is that it is in line with the top of your
head. This makes sure there is no whiplash or snap-back movement of the head.
Some
headrests are inbuilt into the backrests of the seat. Nothing can be done about
that! Some can be adjusted for height. This also means they can be removed.
Some
ladies and Sardar’s I know remove them; reason it messes the hairdo! The
Sardar’s say it interfere with their turban.
Better
a ruined hairdo or turbans shook up than a snapped spine! Do not remove it.
Now
that you have settled down comfortably, adjust your rear view mirrors. No
fiddling and fumbling while driving.
It
is important to buckle up the seatbelt, the best safety system ever invented.
The seatbelt! Buckle up, fir up the engine, shift into gear, then and only then
release the handbrake. That is the rule!
Does
your car have airbags? Seatbelts are a passive safety device. Airbags are an
active safety device. They work only in case of a collision. When activated,
the airbag comes out with tremendous force and speed, into your face and chest.
You must, repeat MUST, have your seatbelt fastened if your car has airbags.
Otherwise you will be thrown forward into an exploding airbag.
May
be Resulting in R.I.P!