Did you know that 60% of professional drivers suffer from physical discomfort related to poor posture?
In Andamur, we understand the challenges that truck drivers face in their daily lives. Long hours behind the wheel, limited breaks, and physical exhaustion are part of the effort required to keep the world moving. However, those strenuous days can also have a significant impact on your physical and mental health.
Therefore, we have prepared this practical guide to teach you how to maintain the correct driving position and minimize the risks associated with poor posture. We will also remind you of the initiatives we have implemented in Andamur to take care of you on every journey. Because your well-being is our priority.
Why is proper posture important when driving?
Driving ergonomics is not simply a matter of comfort. It is a fundamental preventive measure to avoid muscle injuries, chronic pain and even traffic accidents.
Good posture not only helps you stay focused for longer, but also facilitates safer, more efficient driving. These are some key points that demonstrate its importance:
Risks of poor posture
- Backache: Spending many hours in an inappropriate position can put excessive pressure on the lower back, causing muscle contractures or even hernias.
- Physical and mental fatigue: Incorrect posture forces your muscles to work harder, increasing general fatigue and affecting your level of concentration.
- Mobility limitation: Poor body alignment can make quick movements necessary for emergency maneuvers difficult, increasing the risk of accidents.
Benefits of correct posture
- Greater concentration: A comfortable posture reduces physical and mental effort, allowing you to stay alert for longer.
- Long-lasting comfort: A good distribution of body weight reduces muscle tension, even on long journeys.
- Injury prevention: Helps avoid chronic problems such as low back pain, neck pain or sciatica.
What should the ideal driving position be like?
Correctly adjusting your seat, steering wheel and other vehicle components may seem like a minor detail, but it makes a big difference to your health and safety. Here we explain how to achieve it:
1. Distance between the steering wheel and the driver
Your arms should be slightly bent, forming an angle of 120 degrees. This adjustment allows you to maneuver the steering wheel comfortably without straining your shoulders. Also, make sure you can reach the pedals without stretching.
2. Seat height and recline
The seat should be high enough so that your eyes are level with the center of the windshield. The backrest inclination should be between 90 and 100 degrees to keep the back in a neutral position.
3. Backrest and headrest
The backrest should support the entire back, from the lumbar area to the shoulders. The headrest, for its part, should be aligned with the top of your head to protect you in case of sudden braking.
4. Angle of the legs
Your knees should be slightly bent, forming a 120-degree angle when pressing the pedals. This prevents cramps and improves your mobility.
Common problems and how to fix them
At our service stations, we constantly hear truckers’ concerns about the physical problems they face on the road. Below, we give you practical solutions to the most frequent challenges:
Back pain when driving
One of the most common problems is lower back pain, caused by a lack of adequate support. To prevent it:
- Use lumbar cushions or ergonomic backrests designed to maintain the natural curvature of your spine.
- Take breaks every few hours to stretch out and walk a few minutes.
- Adjust the seat back to prevent the lumbar area from being unsupported.
Take advantage of our rest areas to do stretching exercises. Discover our facilities here.
Tension in the neck and shoulders
Accumulated stress in the shoulders and neck is often the result of an improperly adjusted steering wheel or a tense driving position. We recommend:
- Adjust the steering wheel to a height that does not force you to raise your shoulders.
- Relax your arms while holding the steering wheel.
physical fatigue
Lack of regular breaks and dehydration are common causes of fatigue. At our service stations, we promote healthy habits that include adequate hydration and scheduled rest.
Additional tips for maintaining correct posture
- Change your position slightly from time to time to avoid muscle stiffness.
- Keep your abdomen slightly contracted while driving; This helps stabilize the spine.
- Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movements.
- Hydrate regularly to maintain energy and prevent cramps.
At Andamur, we take care of you on every journey
At Andamur we understand the challenges you face every day as a truck driver. For this reason, we have developed services, campaigns and spaces designed especially for your well-being. Below, we present our main initiatives to accompany you every kilometer of the way.
1- “Take care of your health on the road” campaign
With this initiative, we want to help you improve your quality of life while you work. Through practical tips and useful resources, we promote healthy habits that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine:
- Ergonomics behind the wheel: We teach you how to properly adjust the seat, steering wheel and headrest to prevent injuries and increase your comfort.
- Stretching exercises: Discover simple techniques to keep your body active and relaxed during stops.
- Hydration and nutrition tips: Learn how to stay energized and avoid fatigue through a balanced diet and proper hydration.
2- Rest areas equipped for you
Taking regular breaks is essential to combat fatigue and reduce stress. At our service stations you will find rest areas designed to maximize your comfort and tranquility:
- Comfortable and functional spaces: Enjoy a suitable environment to rest and recharge your batteries.
- Complete installations: Access showers, food services and Wi-Fi to cover all your needs during the stop.
- Safe environments: Our areas are monitored 24 hours a day so you can relax without worries.
We know how important it is to take a break, and we have thought of every detail so that these breaks are effective and revitalizing.
3- Campaign “Do droute delivery”
Physical activity is key to preventing long-term health problems, especially for those who spend many hours behind the wheel. For this reason, at Andamur we promote our campaign Sports on the Road, which includes:
- Sports spaces in our service areas: Areas enabled to perform basic exercises and keep you moving.
- Simple exercise recommendations: Ideas for quick and easy routines to do at any stop.
- Benefits of movement: From improving circulation to reducing stress, we encourage our clients to adopt sports as part of their daily lives.
Staying active not only improves your physical health, but also increases your energy and focus for the ride.
4- Comprehensive commitment to your well-being
At Andamur, we know that your work is vital to keeping the world moving, and that’s why we want to make sure that every stage of your journey is as comfortable and healthy as possible. From our educational campaigns to our equipped rest areas, everything is designed with you in mind.
Because in every kilometer you travel, your well-being is as important as the destination you reach.
Request your card here and start enjoying its benefits.
