next turn or over the next hill for granted. It is not possible to totally remove risk from our roadways. But, if we work at it, we can significantly reduce the risk.
Drive It Like You Mean It

Taking the correct driving position will help you remain focused and alert for longer periods of time. Being in the ready position will also assist you when avoiding occasional road hazards. Correct seat position starts with the steering wheel and works its way to the control pedals.

Make sure the car is in a safe place and the transmission in the park position. Pull the headrest up until it is even with the back of your head. The headrest is your defense against whiplash injury in the event of an accident. If you've ever had whiplash, you can appreciate this.

Adjust your steering wheel so the 12 o'clock position is approximately at shoulder level. Placing both arms straight out over the steering wheel, the bend in your wrist should be directly over the top of the wheel. With your wrists in this position, it's important to make sure your shoulder blades are touching the seat back.

This is very important, as in the event of an emergency, it's necessary to push gently against the wheel and press yourself back into the seat. This allows your hands and arms to steer the vehicle in a smooth manner.

In an emergency, some may panic and pull themselves into the steering wheel. This can cause abrupt movement, which can be transferred through the steering wheel and result in the loss of control.

Your hands can now be brought down to the 9 and 3 o'clock position on the steering wheel. This position will allow you the greatest steering wheel rotation. The back of your hands should be facing you, allowing you to push gently on the wheel. Remember to keep your thumbs pointed straight up while resting them against the wheel.

In the event of frontal impact, you could possibly dislocate your thumbs since there will be a violent and sudden weight transfer forward. If your vehicle's airbags deploy, it may force your thumbs backwards. I don't know about you, but I've kind of grown attached to my thumbs.

In addition, if your airbag deployed due to an ambush, the next moment may find you needing to fight with your pistol. I don't care if you are a "12 weapon master" certified by some hot-shot pistol school, you're not going to be combat-effective with two broken thumbs.

Those Size 12s

Take a look at your foot positioning in relation to the pedals. Assuming we're using a vehicle with automatic transmission, your left foot should be placed on the fake pedal or the floorboard all the way to the left of the brake pedal. This

  
Above: In a known hazardous environment, some vehicles pose a greater threat than others. A van can disgorge several armed assailants in a heartbeat. Right: Shoulder holsters are less than ideal for some uses, but particularly lend themselves to vehicular work.
allows your hips to stay wedged into the seat. Now, place your right foot under the brake pedal so it is against the floorboard. Obviously we're not driving in this position, it's for measurement only.

What we are attempting to establish here is your ability to reach the floor under the brake pedal. If necessary, you will be able to use 100 percent of your brakes. After measuring the correct amount of leg-room, place your heel at a comfortable pivoting point between the brake pedal and the gas pedal. Your right foot should control these two pedals. For maximum brake control your right knee and big toe should be in a straight line over the brake pedal.

Side mirrors should be adjusted, so the side of the car is slightly out of sight. This will allow you to see more of the blind spot. Remember every vehicle mirror has a blind spot. When changing lanes, a head check after the mirror check is always the best method. The rear view mirror should be positioned allowing you the most visibility through the rear window of your vehicle.

In The Driver's Seat

You've now placed your body in the
ideal position to control your vehicle. Not simply for cruising lazily down the highway, but for the aggressive, gut-wrenching maneuvers that may make the difference between telling your story to your partners or having them read about it in your obituary. With this behind us, let's talk about the side of driving your high-school coach never even thought about.

Ricci warns we must establish and
retain a comfort zone. This is a safe
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