More and more business people make use of car hire in Cape Town, South Africa alone. Rental car companies worldwide serve a broad sector of commuters and the amount of time these people spend driving the cars they rent can greatly affect their health. Car companies have spend a lot of time and money researching business driving ergonomics and came to a few interesting conclusions.

Lengthy exposure to driving in cars have been identified as a risk factor where lower back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are concerned. Driving more than 20 hours per week (something most sales people do regularly places a person in a higher risk group. Driving forces a person to sit in a constricted position for extended periods of time. Also, cars are increasingly being used as mobile offices with people operating laptops and mobile phones whilst driving, something that poses numerous associated health risks. Contemporary studies revealed that within a group of business drivers, 65% reported lower back problems, 43% described neck ailments, while 40% complained of shoulder discomfort.

There are various ergonomic features to look for in a rental car and adjustability plays a key role in achieving a suitable posture. This can be achieved by employing one or all of the following:

?a seat base with an independent height and tilt adjustment

?a lumbar support that adjusts in/out and up/down

?a steering wheel with in/out, up/down and tilt adjustments.

A lumbar support can be of a specific advantage to the frequent driver provided it is shaped to 'fit' and support the lower back with no pressure points or gaps. However, it ideally needs to be comfortable and adjustable to ensure that it can be altered to suit a person's individual shape.

When using long term car hire in South Africa, medical professionals also advise that travellers should avoid static postures and driving for long, uninterrupted periods of time. It is therefore important to take frequent breaks and to regularly change position. It is also recommended that drivers take a break of at least 15 minutes for every two hours spent behind the wheel. Listen to your body, if you feel any constant discomfort while driving seek medical help.

If back pain persists once you are out of the car you may need to evaluate your lifestyle both at home and at work. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to back pain and regular exercise, and good posture can go a long way to preventing it. If you drive a company car you could ask for a car risk assessment. Always avoid manual tasks like lifting and carrying of heavy objects when experiencing back discomfort.

It is not possible to recommend specific cars as we all vary in size and shape. When it comes to choosing a rental car you will have to keep in mind that a car which suits a 1, 6 meter lady probably won't work quite as well for a 1, 9 meter man. Choose a car that ?fits? you and is suited to your specific needs. Your car needs to be able to accommodate your body measurements and should have a highly adjustable package (i.e. adjustment mechanisms on the seat base, back rest, lumbar support, steering wheel etc.) that can be regulated to provide a variety of optimal driving postures.

With that said, car rental can be a great convenience. Just remember to look at more than the make and model next time you consider car hire in Cape Town, Johannesburg or anywhere else in South Africa. You could save yourself a lot of pain? in the back.