Car expert warns drivers they are risking their own safety by not making simple adjustment to their seat
MOTOR experts have issued an urgent warning for drivers who could be risking their safety by not making a simple seat adjustment.
The simple tip will not only save you from a disastrous accident – but will also make your ride more comfortable.
More often than not, drivers hit the roads in a hurry and forget to adjust the driving seat – without knowing it could make a significant difference.
However, sitting incorrectly could compromise safety in case of an unfortunate collision.
It could also lead to prolonged neck and back problems affecting you in old age.
Tim Alcock, a motor expert at Lease Car, warned all drivers and car enthusiasts to check their seats before going for a drive.
He said: “Many of us are probably guilty of not checking that our seat, wheel and head restraint have been adjusted to be in the correct position each time we get in the car.
“Sitting incorrectly will not only compromise your safety in the event of a collision, but can also cause discomfort when driving for long periods of time, and potentially lead to long-term back and neck problems.”
Tim advised drivers to make sure their legs don’t feel strained while reaching the pedals.
He added: “The seat should be as high as possible to see the road clearly ahead, but drivers should also check that they can push the clutch pedal down to the floor without stretching their body.
“The seating position should be adjusted for all passengers in the vehicle too, and if anyone else drives your car, remember to re-adjust your seat and wheel position.”
The Highway Code demands motorists should avoid driving a car if the seat is not correctly adjusted to match the steering and pedals, the Express reports.
Drivers should always check for both the height of the seat and the distance from the steering wheel – as well as the inclination angle of their back support.
Tim added that drivers must also check their steering wheel level and the position of their headrests for maximum safety.
“Check that your head restraint is touching the back of your head, and is as high as the top of your head too,” he added.
“Steering wheel positioning should also be adjusted to ensure the airbag will be as effective as possible in the event of a collision – the seat should be as far back from the wheel as possible.”
It comes after a car expert revealed eight little-known ways your car could fail an MOT – and how to avoid them.
While many motorists are aware of the common causes of MOT failures, such as defective brakes or worn tyres, few may realise that seemingly innocent factors can also lead to a failed MOT test.
Just days ago, drivers were warned about a simple mistake that could lead to them being slapped with a sizeable £1,000 fine and six points on their licence.
Meanwhile, drivers are being warned they could be slapped with a £5,000 fine for a little-known rule as the weather improves.
Motorists have been urged to check their sunglasses are legal before driving.
It comes after a new study revealed the UK areas where drivers can be charged up to £250 to park outside their own homes.
This follows after drivers were warned about a little-known Highway Code rule that could cost them a fine of up to £5,000 this summer.
Meanwhile, millions of drivers have been warned over a little-known DVLA licence rule.
The DVLA requires drivers to update their personal details on all their documents – including their vehicle log book.
It is a criminal offence to change your address without changing the address on your driving licence.
If you fail to do so, you could be slapped with a hefty fine worth hundreds.
How to change the address on your driving licence
THERE are many documents that require an address change when you move houses and one of them is your driving licence.
You can still drive your car while you’re in the process to change it, but make sure to start the process as fast as you can to avoid any fines.
To change your address with the DVLA you need to be the licence holder.
To change your address you will need:
- your full or provisional driving licence
- to live in Great Britain – there’s a different process in Northern Ireland
- the addresses of where you’ve lived in the past three years
- to not be banned from driving
You’ll also be asked for your National Insurance and passport number if you know them.
You can change the address on your provisional or full driving licence via the online form on the gov.uk website.
When you have finished the application the DVLA will send you an email to confirm they have received it.
You can also change the address by post. To do this you need to:
- Fill in the D741 form that came with your photocard driving licence, or a D1 from your Post Office (D2 for buses and lorries).
- If you have a paper licence fill in the D1 or D2 form from the Post Office.
- Send the form and your licence to the DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
You must also change the address on your vehicle log book and vehicle tax Direct Debit (if that’s how you pay).
The DVLA can only help if you’re moving to a new UK address.
If you are moving abroad, you should contact the licensing authority in your new country of residence.