Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

General discussions on EJ9 and D14 improvements. How far can you reach?
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mynameisowen
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Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by mynameisowen »

Please share tips on how to reduce strain on back and leg muscles that arise from long distance driving. I am suffering from cramp in my calf of accelerator foot so much so that I have to drive with left foot sometimes. I also get cramps in my shoulders (trapezius muscle). this all comes from spenign about 3 hours a day driving to work and is really ruining my relationship with my car!!

Any mods I could do to improve comfort? Need something like cruise control which doesnt burn fuel... :(
1996 EJ9 Civic
1998 BB8 Prelude Motegi VTi
1998, B16A2 EK4 Civic VTi

Aims:
EJ9 - Now my GF's car.
BB8 - Rebuild after crash damage to front end.
EK4 - Daily driver. Strip and track prep once prelude project complete

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BETEK
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by BETEK »

First of all the position of seat must be correct so the wrists to touch the top of steering wheel.
The legs have to be in middle position when we touching the pedals (not in full extent or in right angle)
To avoid cramps it will be wise sometimes change the stable position of foot at cruising. There are 2 ways to do this: take off the foot from accelerator pedal and put on the brakes or push further to gas pedal in order to accelerate :D

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BETEK
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by BETEK »

Also an armrest will help the shoulders

archyman
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by archyman »

I thought that i was the only one that couldn't find his place in the ej9 driving position....i think the real problem are the seats, which are very uncomfortable and does not have any support..also the pedals are positioned slightly to the right so you sit on one side..
I think you can swap seats with some other model to feel more comfi ;)

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saxophonias
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by saxophonias »

The driving position is very sporty as it is super low but sadly the seat isn't comfortable enough and with no support. Another problem for the tall guys is that the right leg has to touch the console (left hand drive). I can't drive more than 2.5 hours on the high way. My Peugeot 309 despite being older and with taller seat feels superb driving on the highway. I have driven for 6 consecutive hours on the freeway without being tired. If we could install a cruise control it would be great. I think some usdm civics had it on.

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mynameisowen
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by mynameisowen »

Thanks for ideas guys, I think you are right about the pedals archyman, they are not central enough! I like the driving position itself but wish it was more comfortable....
1996 EJ9 Civic
1998 BB8 Prelude Motegi VTi
1998, B16A2 EK4 Civic VTi

Aims:
EJ9 - Now my GF's car.
BB8 - Rebuild after crash damage to front end.
EK4 - Daily driver. Strip and track prep once prelude project complete

mark
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by mark »

Try some other seats.
We have here a facelift civic with adjustuble seats, back and sitting.
And our pre facelift only back adjustuble, that s poor.

Try to find the right heigt for your legs, that will be the problem.

Sorry for my bad english.

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saxophonias
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by saxophonias »

an armrest will be a good investment too, along with a cruise control.

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mynameisowen
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by mynameisowen »

I have cruise control on my new car. I've heard lots of rumours about how its bad for fuel economy, does anyone know how the system works on Honda's?
1996 EJ9 Civic
1998 BB8 Prelude Motegi VTi
1998, B16A2 EK4 Civic VTi

Aims:
EJ9 - Now my GF's car.
BB8 - Rebuild after crash damage to front end.
EK4 - Daily driver. Strip and track prep once prelude project complete

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ilya
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Re: Driving ergonomics during long distance driving

Post by ilya »

guys sorry, i could not read all topic but say some advice's...
1. my height is 202 cm, Quite comfortable in the car. a lot of space at the driver.
2. I traveled long distances on different machines:
subaru forester 2005, suzuki liana 2007, shkoda octavia 2010

the first is the noise. Our machines are very noisy. at 180 in the Octavia, I felt like comfortable.
cause of back pain is the lumbar support and seat design itself.
in our cars, we sit like shrimp.
Proper planting type is similar to the letter "L", we are shrimp, we a sitting like letter "C".
Your body should not be tensed. feet should be relaxed as well as hands.
need the support of the right hand. armrest.
it is desirable to support the shoulders. I loved sitting in the Octavia.

PS.several times I said the word Shkoda Octavia, not bad machine. quiet, and faster 1.4 TSi. but after 3000km has problems began with suspension and engine ... How much I love and respect HONDA!)

PSPS. i know some info about sitting. Serial auto, all auto. makes driver place for "standart human" with height 175 and size boot's 42.
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