Drivers urged ‘don’t ignore’ common error that could cause aches and distraction

Driver sat behind steering wheel with ache in neck

Drivers have been urged to do one thing before setting off on long journeys to avoid aches (Image: Getty)

A driving expert has urged all motorists to make one adjustment that can help them stay comfortable and avoid dangerous distractions on .

With the around the corner, many drivers are planning to see loved ones or go on holidays in other parts of the country.

However, Hannah Prescott from warned that drivers must sit in a certain position to help prevent back and neck strain from ruining the journey.

She advised: “When you’re , paying attention to how you sit can save you from a lot of back and neck pain. Make sure your hips are all the way to support your lower back. This helps keep your spine in its natural position.

“Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed against the seat to avoid hunching or tension. Think of it like this: just like you wouldn’t go hiking in , you shouldn’t ignore how you sit on a long drive.”

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Close up of car seats inside a Mini Cooper

The seat should be adjusted so the driver gets enough back support without having to hunch over (Image: Getty)

Whilst drivers may not encounter any issues on short journeys, long trips on the motorway can result in motorists feeling pains and aches in the back and neck.

As a result, it is important that drivers sit in a certain way, with their hips at the back of the seat, allowing them to keep their back straight and relax their shoulders.

Motorists who sit like this can avoid hunching over behind the wheel or having tension in their shoulders, allowing them to put more attention into driving.

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Close up of seat adjustment controls and buttons

Some modern cars allow owners to set seating configurations for different drivers (Image: Getty)

Alternatively, Hannah suggested that drivers properly set up their seat before long trips, sharing the best position to recline the back to.

She continued: “The way you set up your seat makes all the difference on a long drive. Your knees should be just a bit lower than your hips to keep blood flowing well and your legs relaxed.

“Adjust the seat back to around 100-110 degrees, which is great for your posture and helps prevent slouching. If you have adjustable lumbar support, use it to fit the natural curve of your lower back.”

Finally, the motoring expert also urged Brits planning lengthy road trips to take regular breaks, allowing them to get out of the vehicle and stretch their legs.

She added: “Take a break every couple of hours to stretch out and walk around a bit.

“Simple stretches like touching your toes or rolling your shoulders can do wonders for getting rid of tension in your back and neck. Moving regularly keeps your body feeling good and stops stiffness from setting in.”

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