Are YOU a ‘Gangster’ driver? Experts reveal the worst driving positions for you – and why you need to NEVER hit the highway with an over-reclined seat

It’s something that many Brits do on a daily basis. 

But it turns out you might be driving in the wrong position. 

That’s according to Josh Newsom, a chiropracter at Ancoats Chiropractic Clinic, who has revealed four common driving positions that can wreak havoc on your back.

Drivers who adopt ‘The Rollercoaster’ position sit with raised shoulders and a tight grip, while ‘The Gangster’ involves over–reclining in the seat, while leaning to one side. 

Meanwhile, people who opt fo ‘The Racer’ position sit too far back with straight arms, and those who prefer ‘The Hamster’ sit too close to the wheel with a hunched back. 

If one of these positions sounds familiar to you, don’t panic – Mr Newsom has also shared advice on how to drive like a pro. 

‘It doesn’t take a full overhaul to make a difference,’ the chiropracter explained.

‘If drivers remember one thing, it’s this: relax.’

Josh Newsom, a chiropracter at Ancoats Chiropractic Clinic, has revealed four common driving positions that can wreak havoc on your back

The Rollercoaster

As the name suggests, The Rollercoaster position involves tense, white–knuckle driving.   

‘Raised shoulders and a tight grip on the wheel create constant tension through the neck, shoulders and arms,’ Mr Newsom explained. 

‘Over time, that tension leads to muscle fatigue and stiffness; particularly in slow–moving traffic where the body never fully relaxes.’ 

The Gangster

The Gangster position involves over–reclining in the seat, often while leaning to one side.

While you might feel cool doing it, this places uneven pressure through your spine and pelvis, according to Mr Newsom. 

‘One side of the body ends up working harder than the other, which increases strain on the lower back and hips during longer journeys,’ he said. 

If one of these positions sound familiar to you, don’t panic – Mr Newsom has also shared advice on how to drive like a pro

Ancoats Chriophractic Clinic teamed up with Carmoola to uncover the optimal driving position, which they’ve dubbed The Pro. This involves sitting upright with your hips slightly higher than your knees, your elbows gently bent, and your head against the headrest

The Racer

If you’re a fan of Lewis Hamilton, you might adopt The Racer style, which involves sitting far back in your seat, with straight arms and legs. 

‘[This] locks the joints close to their limit,’ Mr Newsom explained. 

‘This reduces the body’s natural shock absorption and increases strain on the shoulders, hips and lower back – especially during stop–start driving.’

The Hamster

Finally, one of the most common driving habits is The Hamster, which involves sitting close to the wheel with your back hunched over. 

Mr Newsom said: ‘[This] places sustained pressure on the neck and upper spine, making it a major contributor to everyday commuter stiffness.’ 

How to drive like a pro

Ancoats Chriophractic Clinic teamed up with Carmoola to uncover the optimal driving position, which they’ve dubbed The Pro. 

This involves sitting upright with your hips slightly higher than your knees, your elbows gently bent, and your head against the headrest. 

‘Let the seat support your body, keep your posture natural, and avoid forcing positions,’ Mr Newsom advised. 

‘Small changes like that can significantly reduce strain and make everyday commutes far more comfortable in the long run.’