Small adjustments can make a big difference to your driving comfort and safety.

"If you can adjust your headrest, you want to place it so that the middle of the headrest is about equal with the middle of the back of your head," said Consumer Reports' Tom Mutchler. "That improves your protection if you're hit from behind. You want the backrest to be almost vertical, with a slight recline, so it gives you some lower back support."

The distance between you and the steering wheel is also important.

"When you put your arm straight out, your wrist should rest on top of the rim," Mutchler said. "And if you have an adjustable seatbelt anchor, position the seatbelt high enough that it doesn't easily slide off your shoulder. Having the seat positioned properly will help the belts hold you securely in case of an accident."

Consumer Reports says you also want to position your right foot so you can pivot from the accelerator to the brake pedal without taking your heel off the floor of the car. That way you're equally prepared to avoid an accident whether you need to speed up or stop short.

Minor tweaks like these can make a major difference on the road.

(Copyright © 2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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