Sitting position

[oasis]

I was watching SportsCenter and paying a bit more attention to NASCAR highlights than usual and saw how the drivers were up-close-and-personal with the steering wheel. It seems awfully uncomfortable to me -- at least compared to where I sit. Is that normal?

[beetle1303]

check my reply on the interior forum
Its all about having the ability to transmit most of the power (torque) to the wheel.and gives you a feeling that you hug/hold the whole car.safety as well is thought in this
In a colision if your hands(arms,wrists) are locked ie straight you will smash them for sure, causing fractures up to the shoulders.if they are bent they will absorb the impact momentum by bending more which is ok. Dont think that the seat will stay at the original position. There are cases where the seat brackets have deformed tilting the seat forward. this is done due to the elasticity of the harnesses and of the body. A human body is supposed to live (with multiple fractures but not damaging the chest bone which is crutial) throught a crash of 120 km/h max head to head. imagine the momentum caused by the driver's body and the tension on the whole seat/harness system due to the momentum.

Happy and safe driving to all

Chris

[oasis]

Interesting and informative response.

My arms aren't straight straight. Usually, they have a casual, relaxed bend at the elbow but for the most part straight compared to what I saw with the interior shot highlight.

I will have to reconsider my technique -- or lack thereof.

In the meanwhile, I will seek out your other post. Thanks.

[Steve C]

Hi

I call that Nascar driving position the "gotcha look" These guys also have much less movement in their seatbelts as well, so they can only use their arms to steer. When I did some advanced driver training I was taught that the correct seating position is one that allows you place your wrist flat on the steering wheel rim at the 10 to 2 postion, this gives a sligtly bent arm attitude.

Steve

[oasis]

Flat on the outside perimeter of the steering wheel? ... or flat against the steering wheel's edge facing the driver?

[Steve C]

Hi

I didnt explain that very well, Im a bit jet lagged, I had been up for 29 hours after flying home from the UK, Ive had 5 hours sleep now, I feel great, not. The easiest way to explain, sit in your seat in your usual driving position, grip the wheel with both hands at the 10 to 2 position (like in the hands of a clock), now release your grip and slide your hands forward straightening your arms, your wrist will slide over wheel where your hands were.

Steve

[oasis]

Gotcha. Interestingly enough, that is how I normally sit. Thanks.