Before setting off, safety precautions should include checking tire pressure, signal lights, windshield wipers, and fuel level. Equally important for proper vehicle control is adjusting your seating posture to be snug and secure. A correct seating position aids in effective steering. If you sit too far from the steering wheel with arms fully extended, you will face issues with visibility, turning, braking, and responding to emergencies. When your seating and steering wheel grip are correct, if something suddenly cuts in front of you requiring quick steering to avoid an accident, you will be able to respond promptly.
It has been observed that some taxi drivers hold the steering wheel and adjust their seating positions as they please, which negatively affects vehicle control unnecessarily. Driving license tests in Thailand focus more on traffic laws and signs than on training drivers on correct seating and steering wheel grip.
Correct adjustment of seating position and steering wheel grip.
Proper steering wheel adjustment involves tilting it slightly upward toward the driver, which improves control efficiency. Setting the steering wheel too high or low can make it harder to control and may obstruct the front view. The correct hand position on the wheel is with the left hand at 9 o'clock and right hand at 3 o'clock on the clock face. Avoid other positions, such as gripping the top of the wheel like some taxi drivers do, as this limits your ability to quickly and accurately steer during emergencies.
Incorrect steering wheel grip positions can have serious consequences in emergencies requiring rapid directional changes, reducing steering precision. The 9 and 3 o'clock positions, located halfway around the wheel, are ideal for maneuvers like U-turns or reversing. Practice keeping your hands at these positions.
When making a U-turn, many drivers tend to insert their hand inside the steering wheel and start turning from there. This 'inside grip' limits smooth turning compared to sliding your hands over the wheel while keeping them on the outside. Professional racers lock their hands at 3 and 9 o'clock positions as if using pliers to ensure quick, precise steering, even at high speeds through curves, without changing hand positions.
The correct driving posture begins with the distance from the steering wheel—about one arm's length. Your arms should neither be too relaxed nor fully extended, allowing optimal steering control. Avoid pushing the seat too close to the wheel, as some elderly drivers or women tend to do, since this restricts quick steering if something cuts in front of you. Reclining the seat like in sports cars is also incorrect as it hinders control during emergencies. Overly extended arms can cause your shoulders to lift off the seat when making sharp turns to avoid accidents.
Steering wheel grip pressure.
When driving at low speeds, hold the steering wheel comfortably without gripping too tightly. At higher speeds or in wet conditions, increase grip pressure slightly. Excessively tight gripping causes tension. Use moderate pressure, perhaps hooking your thumbs on the wheel's spokes for support during long highway drives. When off-roading over bumps, avoid using thumbs to brace the wheel, as the wheel may jerk and injure your fingers.
Driving with one hand on the steering wheel is negligent and may cause accidents. Avoid driving with only one hand or holding the wheel incorrectly, especially at high speeds where caution is vital. Look far ahead beyond the car in front to anticipate hazards like potholes, tire debris, wood fragments, or animal carcasses that can cause danger if hit. For manual transmissions, after shifting gears, return your hand to the 9 o'clock position on the wheel. Quick, precise steering depends not only on hand position but also on seat and backrest adjustment. When holding the wheel correctly, your elbows should be slightly bent—not fully extended or pressed tightly against your sides.
The proper seating posture involves sitting with your buttocks close to the seat, your back firmly against the backrest, and your neck aligned at about a 15-degree angle relative to the backrest. Your arms and shoulders should rest comfortably. When holding the steering wheel, your arms should form an angle between 90 and 115 degrees, not exceeding 120 degrees. Adjust the seat until your knees are bent comfortably—not too close to the wheel like some elderly women who push the seat too far forward. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. A quick way to set the seat distance is to extend your arm and place your wrist on the top of the steering wheel.
Unless you are driving a sports car, you don't need to lower your seat excessively close to the floor. Place your palm open above your head with a small gap between your hand and the car roof. Adjust seat height, especially for shorter drivers, to allow good all-around visibility. Avoid sitting too low, which makes reversing or parking harder because you have to raise yourself to see properly. Drivers of tall SUVs have an advantage as they sit higher and enjoy clear visibility. Remember, good visibility correlates directly with anticipation and decision-making, which are crucial for safe driving.
When adjusting your seating position, consider ease of steering, braking, gear shifting, and operating vehicle controls. Your feet should comfortably reach the accelerator and brake pedals, and your body should not slide off the seat during sharp turns. Seating posture significantly affects driving. Modern car manufacturers design seats and adjustability features to fit diverse body types, offering better comfort and support. Always fasten your seatbelt before driving.
Correct and appropriate seating posture not only improves vehicle control and safety but also provides comfort and reduces fatigue on long trips. To check proper seat and backrest distance, stretch your arm straight and rest your wrist on the steering wheel's top at 12 o'clock. Your wrist should be on the wheel edge near the palm's heel—not past your palm. Your back should rest against the backrest with legs neither fully stretched nor overly bent. Sitting too far back makes steering and emergency braking difficult, increasing the risk of accidents.