Hints for the Motorist

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXX, Issue 13668, 16 June 1942, Page 3

Hints for the Motorist

6y ' ALBERT L CLOUGH

FIT YOUR CAR TO YOURSELF

COMFORTABLE DRIVER—SAFE DRIVER BE PREPARED FOR ALL EMERGENCIES It may sound exaggerated but it is true that the people who take the trouble to get the important matter of the driving "position properly settled are few and far between. Most drivers are content to adapt themselves to their cars. This is absurd on the face of it. The thing to do is to tackle scientifically the problem of altering the car until one is properly seated. Cause of Accidents A high percentage of accidents occur for the simple reason that the driver has not bothered to "fit the car to the person." It is important to be able to swing the steering wheel round through the whole clock face without having to thrust either shoulder forward as its hand passes the 12 o'clock position. If this cannot be done, over a long trek the driver will be repeatedly subject to a heavy strain on the back and shoulder muscles. Drivers who are tired, however slightly, or otherwis-e below par, are not prepared—as all drivers should be—for emergencies.

Question of Upright The spine must be so supported by the seat upright that the small of the back, which is naturally hollowed, is as firmly held by the cushions as is the higher part of the trunk. If the back rest is not correctly designed to ensure this you will soon be conscious of it. If it is not, the remedy lies in one of the small supplementary cushions now available for the purpose. These are mostly pneumatic. One kind can be slipped over the seat back and held in position by elastic straps. Personal "Upholstery" With regard to the seat proper, it is unfortunate that the seat cushions of many smaller cars, when used by a tall driver, support him scarcely anywhere except on the pelvic bones. This soon plays havoc with the sciatic nerve and produces a peculiar form of discomfort, though that is hai'dly a strong enough word. When sitting on such a seat one is not getting the benefit of one's, personal "upholstery" at all, Nature having located this immediately below the hips. The thighs are unsupported. Tail Cramp

mis soon piays navoc wiin tne sciatic nerve and produces a peculiar form of discomfort, though that is hai'dly a strong enough word. When sitting on such a seat one is not getting the benefit of one's, personal "upholstery" at all, Nature having located this immediately below the hips. The thighs are unsupported. Tail Cramp Should any driver suffer from what has been so well characterised as "tail cramp," here is a hint. Sit normally in the car, with feet on the pedal, and push a hand underneath the thigh, at the knee, and note how far it can be drawn along towards

the base of the spine. In all probability it will be found that there is no effective contact between thigh and cushion. If this is the case, the antidote is patent. A supplementary cushion must be contrived to give full support to the whole length of the thigh. This should be managed preferably in such a way as to shift all weight of the pelvic bones and base of the spine on to the place where Nature intended it to be carried. Body Belts Help This is not mere pandering to luxury, but as well as being a contribution to comfort, it is necessary to actual safety. The difference as a result of putting these ideas into practice might be summed up as between half an hour or so at the wheel ending in something approaching acute misery and a day's run of a hundred odd miles finishing fresh and gfit. Incidentally men whose driving is extensive —that is those who spend a good part of their waking life at the wheel —would be well advised to avail themselves of the protection a properly designed body belt affords. Intense fatigue and discomfort, are liable to ensue from long stretches at the wheel without support to the lower abdomen. No racing driver would think of omitting such an important essential. Makers' Aids It may be found that the feet do not reach the pedals comfortably; or, if you happen to be on the small side, driving vision may be inadequate. Some manufacturers help greatly by providing seats which are not only adjustable for height but for angle. There may be a steering column of the telescope type, maybe also variable with regard to rake. Pedals on threaded shanks help in setting the feet right. Owners' Dodges When a car has merely an adjustable seat, you may have to resort to various dodges such as cushions, a block for the heels if you are small-footed, etc. A word of warning is perhaps necessary. Make sure all the packing is secure and cannot came adrift at some critical moment. <sn a Cold and Frosty Morning If you have to make a journey over wintry roads take an old tip from me and fill a hot-water bottle before you start. Placed under the passengers' legs, this will heat the well of the car in a most amazing manner, and it is particularly comforting to the rear passengers. You may dismiss this hint without very much thought, but, believe me, during really cold weather it is well worth while. Another hint for cold weather is really a warning, and that is, do not be in too great a hurry to leave your garage in the morning. Give the water in the radiator a chance to warm up first.