Is the Reference Point Earlier or Later When the Seat is Adjusted Forward?
3 Answers
When the seat is adjusted higher and forward, the reference point will appear earlier; when the seat is adjusted lower and backward, the reference point will appear later. Below are the relevant details: 1. Seat Height Adjustment: The height of the seat can be standardized by the distance between the top of the head and the car roof, such as one fist's height or one fist plus four fingers' width. 2. Seat Forward/Backward Adjustment: With the clutch fully depressed, the angle between the thigh and calf should be around 120 degrees, which ensures safety and reduces fatigue. Alternatively, with the clutch fully depressed, the leg should have a slight bend, and the distance between the knee and the car's dashboard can be measured using the width of closed fingers. 3. Backrest Adjustment: Extend your arm straight, and your wrist should rest on the highest point of the steering wheel, which is the 12 o'clock position, as the standard.
When I first started learning to drive, I always adjusted the seat too far forward. My instructor said this would make me judge reference points too early. Having the seat too close narrows your field of vision, brings your body too near the steering wheel, and changes your viewing angle. Especially during curve driving, I always felt like I should start turning at positions where it wasn't actually time yet, leading to frantic movements. Now I've developed the habit of adjusting my position first when getting in the car - keeping about a fist's distance between my knees and the steering wheel, with my eyes just able to see the highest point of the windshield wipers. This ensures accurate reference points. Sitting too close to the steering wheel also affects turning speed and increases danger.
Last time when I took my relative to practice Subject 2, I realized how much the seat position affects driving. That kid is only 155cm tall and was practically hugging the steering wheel while driving. During the right-angle turn, she kept turning the wheel too early according to my reference points because her eyes were too close to the windshield, making the reference points appear closer than they actually were. I taught her to adjust by pressing her lower back firmly against the seat and extending her arms so her wrists just rest on top of the steering wheel, ensuring the visual angle isn't distorted. Now she hardly ever crosses the line when reversing into the parking space.
