Sitting close to the steering wheel

[8400rpm]

I have a question. Well, 2 really.

Recently I have noticed that there are a reasonable amount of people, that have to sit very close to the steering wheel.

I say have to, maybe it's choice.

It strikes me, that these people cannot be fully in control of their vehicle, as their face is only a couple of hand spans from the steering wheel. Arms either have to shuffle about or struggle in the small gap between body and wheel.

Now, 2 things, first of all, are they fully in control of their vehicle? Also, is it safe for them if the airbag goes off?

Looks like if the airbag goes off, it's gonna propel their head into the next county, and if there is a problem they couldn't work the wheel fast enough.

If this is stupidity, forgive me, but it just doesn't look right. Should these people stop subbornly using cars that are too big for their physical stature?

[kambites]

I'd say the opposite - most people sit far too far away from the wheel, so far away that they can't control the car properly.

Two hand spans (16 inches?) sounds about perfect to me.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 27th October 09:48

[N88]

kambites said:

I'd say the opposite - most people sit far too far away from the wheel, so far away that they can't control the car properly.

This.

I see many many people sitting too far away, their arms stretched almost horizontally to hold the wheel. You're far more in control sitting closer, look at rally drivers for example, how close they have the wheel. Think of the analogy of holding a car battery, you want your arms to me nice and bent - it's much easier.

I take your point though, people do take it to the extremes which isn't good, and no they wouldn't be in too good a shape if the airbag did go off!

[SonicHedgeHog]

I think people sit too close because they're scared. They feel if they cling onto the wheel for dear life it will somehow be safer. Similarly some people will often sit too far away, but I would put that down to a fat belly preventing them getting any closer.

[Rawwr]

I sit so that my arm is still slightly bent when touching the top of the steering wheel. That for me is the ideal distance.

[OMNIO]

I've seen this too. I'm sure you don't get told how close / far away to sit when you are learning you are just told to 'sit in a confortable position'

For me the most comfortable position is far enough back so that i can rest my wrists on top of the steering wheel without streching.

I think my GF sits way too close but she made the valid point that shes got short legs which means if she was to set up the seat in a similar way to me she wouldnt be able to fully depress the clutch ans may have less control over the other pedals and would have trouble changing gear.

[Zod]

You see plenty of both - too far or too close. There are women who sit with their nose almost touching the top of the wheel and there are blokes who lounge back with their arms straight out. Neither is in proper control of the car. The correct distance as every instructor I've ever had has taught is where with you elbows slightly broken, your wrists lie on top of the wheel.

[N88]

OMNIO said:

i can rest my wrists on top of the steering wheel without streching.

That's what I was taught.

[kambites]

N88 said:

OMNIO said:

i can rest my wrists on top of the steering wheel without streching.

That's what I was taught.

Me too which, given the rake of the steering wheel on most modern cars, is actually quite close.

[JonRB]

It's the people who drive leaning forwards that get me - seats so upright that they are vertical.

In general, if someone looks uncomfortable and unnatural in how they sit when driving then they are unlikely to be a confident and competent driver.

I do realise that is a very sweeping statement and I am sure there are exceptions.

[powwerr]

ill put my hands up and say that whatever car i get into the 1st thing i do is move the seat back as far as it goes and as low as it goes. im 6ft 2" i know it ant the biggest but its all in the legs so the seat back is normally quite straight.

unless im getting my lean on y0!

if i go for a spirtited drive however i tend to move the seat forward 1 click for a bit of extra brake pressure

it annoys me slightly when you see missus morris driving her micra with her nose being buffed by the steering wheel.

[Fleckers]

N88 said:

kambites said:

I'd say the opposite - most people sit far too far away from the wheel, so far away that they can't control the car properly.

look at rally drivers for example, how close they have the wheel.

CRAP

Rally Driving is totaly different to normal driving, they use their fully body to control the car, unlike the BIG man who get the car for the family / the woman and she is too small to drive the thing, I have an S type jag for me, mymisses is 5 fott 3 and admits its too big for her to drive,not physicaly but she cant see the corners unless she is sitting almost touching the wheel so wont drive it, I have seen women driving sitting on cushions and even looking through the wheel

[hornetrider]

JonRB said:

I do realise that is a very sweeping statement and I am sure there are exceptions.

I don't think there are exceptions. I think the point the OP is making is referring to the type of people you're talking about. Upright, head over the wheel types. Not 'proper' drivers who can rest their wrists on top of the wheel!

Still, this is GG so the first reply has to be an argument on a technicality without acknowledging the wider point being made.

[kambites]

The wider point, I think, is that most drivers' driving positions are rubbish. Singling out the (relatively rare) case where people are too close to the wheel, seems odd when the majority of drivers sit too far away (which is equally stupid).

The fault also isn't entirely with the drivers. Despite ever increasing amounts of adjustability in the driving position, in most modern cars it doesn't seem possible to get a good driving position - it's always compromised somehow. I think maybe it's something to do with the driving positions getting more upright?

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 27th October 10:22

[hornetrider]

kambites said:

The wider point, I think, is that most drivers' driving positions are rubbish. Singling out the (relatively rare) case where people are too close to the wheel, seems odd when the majority of drivers sit too far away (which is equally stupid).

That's not the point of the thread now is it? Re-read the OP.

[james_tigerwoods]

I've seen this and my mum, who's 4 foot something, has to sit really close to the wheel.

I, on the other hand, sit with my arms almost outstretched - I also sit pretty low in the car which is something that everyone comments upon.

The reason for this is simple - comfort and support - I find that if my legs aren't fully supported, I get back or leg pains depending on where the adjustment is wrong. I also sometimes get a leg ache if my foot's at the wrong angle to the pedal. All this messing about usually results in an odd driving position just so I'm comfortable - I then have to make a slight compromise just so I reaching the wheel properly.

It can take me ages to get my position just right - only for someone else to drive the car, reset the (non electric, non memory) seats and bugger me up!

[N88]

Fleckers said:

N88 said:

kambites said:

I'd say the opposite - most people sit far too far away from the wheel, so far away that they can't control the car properly.

look at rally drivers for example, how close they have the wheel.

CRAP

Rally Driving is totaly different to normal driving, they use their fully body to control the car, unlike the BIG man who get the car for the family / the woman and she is too small to drive the thing, I have an S type jag for me, mymisses is 5 fott 3 and admits its too big for her to drive,not physicaly but she cant see the corners unless she is sitting almost touching the wheel so wont drive it, I have seen women driving sitting on cushions and even looking through the wheel

I am a rally driver. Not WRC mind, but I like to think I know what I'm talking about. Can you explain how they use their full body to control the car? You're strapped in incredibly tightly into a moulded bucket seat, limiting near enough all body movement apart from the legs and arms. Feel free to enlighten me though

I accept it's of course quite different to normal driving but the principles for the best car control are still the same.

[useyourdellusion]

powwerr said:

it annoys me slightly when you see missus morris driving her micra with her nose being buffed by the steering wheel.

I feel this is what the OP is getting at. It's definitely a woman thing in my experience, and shows a total lack of confidence and awareness IMO.

I usually notice it when I'm actually overtaking them, and I'm grateful of the fact that they'll be well behind me from that moment on....

[speedster986]

I always wondered if those who sat perched at the steering wheel were those who had to see the corners of their car. Obviously physical stature plays a part!

[kambites]

useyourdellusion said:

I feel this is what the OP is getting at. It's definitely a woman thing in my experience, and shows a total lack of confidence and awareness IMO.

I usually notice it when I'm actually overtaking them, and I'm grateful of the fact that they'll be well behind me from that moment on....

It tends to be older women too. I wonder if it stems from before cars had power steering so they needed all the leverage they could get in order to actually steer?