Correct adjustment of the Seat/Head Restraint is paramount for a safe and comfortable journey
The seat position should be such that the driver can apply the clutch pedal to the floor and still have a slight bend at the knee. By gripping the steering wheel low down with one hand, and operating the seat release lever with the other the seat can be slid back and forth to attain the correct distance from the foot pedals. After releasing the lever an attempt to move the seat should be made to check it is securely fastened.
What/Why? Gripping the steering wheel helps prevent the seat sliding out of control.
What/Why? Failure to check the seat is completely locked into position may lead to the seat moving while the vehicle is being driven.
The rake (back support) of the seat should be such that the drivers back is fully supported in an upright and ergonomic position, and that it allows free and easy operation of the main hand controls without the driver having to change his position. The driver should lean slightly forward so that no pressure is being applied to the rake of the seat while the correct adjustment is being made. The correct distance/rake position should be such that when the driver places both hands out in front, with arms straight, the wrists should rest at the top of the steering wheel.
What/Why? Setting the position so that the wrists can rest on the steering wheel ensures the correct amount of bend at the elbows for comfortable and safe steering ability.
What/Why? Failure to relieve pressure on the seat rake may result in either the driver being thrown back unexpectedly as well as allowing easy forward rake adjustment without putting strain on the adjustment control.
The Head restraint should be adjusted so that the firm section should be directly behind the head and at a distance of approx 3mm from the head when the driver is in the normal driving position. Alternatively the Head Restraint top should be no higher than the same level as the eyes.
What/Why? Correct adjustment of the Head Restraint prevents neck injuries by preventing the head being forced backwards in the event of an accident.
Steering WheelCorrect adjustment of the Steering Wheel is paramount for a safe and comfortable journey. (The correct method of holding the wheel and steering will be explained in the lesson on Moving Off And Stopping).
When/How? The steering wheel should be adjusted so that when the driver places both hands out in front, with arms straight, the wrists should rest at the top of the steering wheel. The view of the instrument panel should be as clear as possible, particularly the speedometer and warning light clusters.
What/Why? Setting the position so that the wrists can rest on the steering wheel ensures the correct amount of bend at the elbows for comfortable and safe steering ability.
MirrorsAll mirrors should be clean, in good condition and correctly adjusted for a safe journey. The central internal rear-view mirror should be adjusted only with the LEFT hand. The correct adjustment is so that the driver can see all four corners of the rear window and his Head Restraint should be just visible in the edge of the mirror
What/Why? By setting the internal rear-view mirror in this way maximises the view to the rear and offside of the vehicle.
What/Why? Using the left hand helps prevent the driver from moving from the normal driving position, otherwise the mirror may be incorrectly adjusted while the driver is out of position when using the right hand.
The external door mirrors should be adjusted so that the horizon appears approximately central, 50% sky and 50% road. The side of the vehicle should be just visible.
What/Why? By setting the horizon centrally, a good view of the rear area to that side of the car will be maintained on any gradient of road.
What/Why? By setting the mirror so the side of the vehicle can be just seen allows for a visual confirmation that all doors are closed correctly on that side of the vehicle and still affords the maximum possible view of the area to the rear and side of the vehicle.
Seat BeltA correctly adjusted, well fitting and secured seatbelt is paramount for a comfortable and safe journey.
The belt buckle/latch should be grasped with the left hand, and the right hand should grab the belt above. The belt should be withdrawn, with a forward, gentle motion and enough so the belt can be fastened correctly into the latch mechanism. The right hand should be holding the belt throughout to prevent it returning to its "at rest" position. The belt should have no kinks or twists, fit comfortably across the shoulder, and the lap section should fit comfortably across the hips. Finally, the belt should be pulled firmly near the latch to confirm it is correctly locked into place.
What/Why? Any kinks or twists in the belt, and the belt not fitting against the body as described may result in friction against the driver while driving as well as cause serious injury in the event of a collision.
Releasing the belt should be done with the right hand holding the belt just above the latch and the left hand pressing the release button. The belt should be fed manually and slowly until it is fully retracted back to the "at rest" position.
What/Why? By maintaining control of the belt with the right hand, it prevents the belt being retracted at speed, otherwise risking injury to the driver and damage to the vehicles window.
FuelWhat/How? Turn on the ignition, (explained shortly when we discuss Starting The Engine) and after a few seconds, the fuel gauge should be checked to ensure an excess amount of fuel for the journey is present.
When/Why? An allowance should be made for traffic delays and detours to prevent running low on fuel and prevents dirt at the bottom of the fuel tank from being sent to the engine or running out of fuel completely. This is especially important on diesel engines as they may require a mechanic to prime the fuel pump before attempting an engine restart or otherwise risk costly damage to the engine.
What/Why? Running out of fuel would result in a stalled engine. Brakes would no longer be servo assisted and would require a lot more effort and time to stop, as well as Power Assisted Steering would no longer function resulting in heavy steering.