Safety And The Driving Seat

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18591, 29 December 1934, Page 9

Safety And The Driving Seat

jgELF-styled sporting drivers, who apparently imagine that the first essential in a speed model is to have the front seat so placed that an extremely low driving position is secured, recently received a rap over the knuckles from the British motor press. In pointing out the fallacies of such a practice the Motor states: “It has been fostered by the confusion of what is ‘low and rakish,' with what i-i ‘sporting.’ Imaginary emulation of tho racing driver is the main inspiration of u low seating position. Yet all the leading racing men sit lpgli up in their cars, for only tints have they full control." Those statements are vindicated by photographs of some of the foremost contest drivers, which indicate that they have tiie seat so arranged that they are in an almost bolt upright position when. at the wheel.

“People," comments the same jour nal, “will put up with the disadvantages which a low seat offers simply be cause it is the fashion."

The main objections to an unduly low and reclining driving position are that strain and fatigue are usually increased, vision is often restricted by the bonnet of the car, and the driver is not in the best situation for making quick movements wlten operating the controls. Frequently lie has to peer through the spokes of the wheel, or to raise himself in order tit see the kerb when parking. “We have grown accustomed," tho Motor adds, “to seeing drivers of these cars laboring under their difficulties. When we meet a car driven by a person who can only peer through and round the steering wheel we subconsciously pull over and give a little more room.. Tt. is such a familiar sight that we. grow tired of criticising. In contrast, it is refreshing to see a driver sitting well up in his car, in the position which gives maximum visibility and control. The racing driver, the serious rally and trial competitors, and long-distance tourists all know the value of correct seating. It would be well to imitate them punctiliously."