Driving Posture & Fatigue
Seat adjustment, mirrors, steering technique, fatigue
Eating and drinking while driving is just as distracting as using a mobile phone.
💺 Driving Posture & Fatigue Cheat Sheet
Key facts from this topic. Print this page for quick offline reference.
TRUE: The seat should be adjusted so that you can fully press the brake pedal while your back remains against the seat.
Proper seat position allows you to fully depress the brake pedal with a slight bend in the knee while keeping your back against the seat.
TRUE: The headrest should be adjusted so that the center is at the same height as your ears.
The headrest center should be at ear level (the middle of your head).
TRUE: You should take a rest break of at least 15 minutes after every 2 hours of continuous driving.
To prevent fatigue-related accidents, you should rest for at least 15 minutes after every 2 hours of driving.
TRUE: Signs of driver fatigue include frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, and drifting between lanes.
Fatigue symptoms include yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty focusing, lane drifting, missing signs or exits, and irritability.
TRUE: The rearview mirror should be adjusted before driving to provide a clear view of the road behind.
Adjust all mirrors (rearview and both side mirrors) before starting to drive.
TRUE: Wearing sunglasses while driving in bright conditions is acceptable as long as they do not impair night vision.
Sunglasses help reduce glare and eye strain in bright conditions, improving safety.
TRUE: The steering wheel should be tilted so you can see the instrument panel over the top of the wheel.
The steering wheel should be adjusted (tilt and telescopic) so you can see all instruments clearly over the wheel rim.
TRUE: Eating and drinking while driving is just as distracting as using a mobile phone.
Eating and drinking while driving requires taking hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mental attention away from driving.
TRUE: Your foot should rest on the brake pedal (not the accelerator) when waiting at a traffic light.
When stopped at a light, keep your foot on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from creeping forward (especially automatics) and to be prepared to stop if hit from behind (your brake lights warn following drivers).
TRUE: Tunnel vision, where your field of view narrows, can be a sign of extreme fatigue.
Tunnel vision is a dangerous sign of fatigue where peripheral vision narrows.
FALSE: When gripping the steering wheel, your hands should be positioned at 10 and 2 o'clock.
Modern driving instruction recommends 9 and 3 o'clock for better control and to reduce airbag injury risk.
FALSE: Coffee is an effective long-term solution for preventing driver fatigue.
Coffee provides only temporary alertness.
FALSE: Driving with one hand on the steering wheel is acceptable on straight, open roads.
Both hands should be on the steering wheel at all times (except when operating vehicle controls).
FALSE: Listening to very loud music while driving does not affect driving safety.
Very loud music can mask important sounds like emergency sirens, horns, and train crossings.
FALSE: When feeling drowsy, opening the window for fresh air is enough to stay alert while continuing to drive.
Opening the window provides only momentary relief from drowsiness.