Title: Exploring the optimum posture for driver comfort

Authors: J. Mark Porter, Diane E. Gyi

Addresses: Vehicle Ergonomics Group, Department of Design and Technology, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Vehicle Ergonomics Group, Department of Design and Technology, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: Published postural angles for driving comfort are based on theoretical calculations and not observed driving postures. An experiment was conducted to investigate observed optimum driving postures and positions of the main driving controls for comparison with available data. New guidelines for optimum postural comfort have been developed. The recommended range of postural angles should be used with care because not all people will be comfortable with the whole range as individuals. Furthermore, inter-relationships between adjacent joint angles need to be considered. The data also support a strong need for both horizontal and vertical adjustment in the steering wheel.

Keywords: driver comfort; vehicle design; driving; posture angles; steering wheel adjustment; ergonomics; human factors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1998.062075

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1998 Vol.19 No.3, pp.255 - 266

Published online: 29 May 2014 *

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