The Portsmouth driving-position reset

Published July 28, 2026 by Portsmouth Accident & Injury Center.

Make seat and mirror changes while parked

Park safely before changing the seat or mirrors. Sit back in the seat.

• Can you reach the pedals without locking the knees?
• Can you hold the wheel without lifting the shoulders?
• Can you see the mirrors without a large repeated twist?

The goal is not a military pose. It is a setup that fits the task.

Keep the seat belt positioned correctly

NHTSA seat-belt guidance(opens in a new tab) puts the lap belt across the hips and pelvis. The shoulder belt should cross the chest away from the neck, not under the arm or behind the back. Airbags work with belts, not instead of them.

Adjust the position without forcing a rigid posture

Long drives, traffic queues, and repeated short trips can all involve time in one position. When safely stopped, get out or change position as appropriate. Do not perform stretches while the vehicle is moving.

When symptoms need more than a position change

Pain that persists, travels, involves weakness or numbness, follows a crash, or comes with another warning sign needs more than a seat adjustment.

Read everyday neck pain, back pain, or car accident care.

Change one setting at a time

Begin with a comfortable seat distance that allows the pedals to be used without reaching. Then adjust the seat-back angle, head restraint, steering wheel, and mirrors. Make one change at a time so you can tell whether it helps.

Stop if an adjustment increases pain, numbness, dizziness, or weakness. Do not test neck movement while driving. New symptoms after a crash need a separate health evaluation.

Related Portsmouth pages: joint and posture care guide.