Andrew Ellis

Performance Driving Instructor and Mobility Assessor at the QEF Mobility Centre

For "performance" and every day drivers CG Lock allows them to stay relaxed. This allows the driver to approach any situation confident in the knowledge that they are secure in their seat. In addition this ability to relax is a major bonus on long drives in potentially helping to alleviate the pressure placed on the lower spine. Therefore the driver can arrive with less fatigue.

In use, it really transforms the driving experience. For "performance" and every day drivers CG Lock allows them to stay relaxed. This allows the driver to approach any situation confident in the knowledge that they are secure in their seat.Andrew Ellis QEF Mobility Centre

I have been evaluating the use of CG Lock for drivers with disabilities, as there are many similarities in terms of requiring a stable seating position. When we sit in a car our hips are our centre of gravity, therefore if they are adequately secured we instantly become more stable. This is what CG Lock does in essence by "locking" the lap belt, but still allowing the shoulder belt to work in the usual way. Once this stable seating position is achieved it allows the “performance” driver to concentrate solely on the task of driving fast. For the driver with a disability it gives them a greater sense of security, which enables them to have the confidence to drive to their limits.

CG Lock takes only a few minutes to fit, and does not require any drilling or modification of any existing parts. Care is required when undoing the seatbelt and storing it, as the weight of CG Lock could stop the belt fully retracting. In addition care must be taken when storing CG Lock as it could scratch the surface of the B post pillar.

Using CG Lock is very easy and simple, just requiring you to sit in the optimum seating position. This is achieved by correctly adjusting your seat, and then sitting so the lower back is fully against the lumbar support region of the seat. The seat belt is then clipped in and the lap section checked for twists and then correctly positioned over the pelvis. The shoulder section is then pulled towards the B pillar until the lap section is a snug fit on the pelvic area. This will now stay snug and stop you sliding forward/sideways, hence no need to brace/push back into the seat to stay secure.

In use, it really transforms the driving experience. For "performance" and every day drivers CG Lock allows them to stay relaxed. This allows the driver to approach any situation confident in the knowledge that they are secure in their seat. In addition this ability to relax is a major bonus on long drives in potentially helping to alleviate the pressure placed on the lower spine. Therefore the driver can arrive with less fatigue.

The true test of any product is in real life situations and I would now like to present 2 case studies, full permission given. Although both drivers have a disability the findings would be just as likely for any driver.

The first is Roger who lost both lower limbs above the knees following medical complications. This has resulted in very poor seating balance and when in a vehicle any degree of vehicle roll will result in Roger having to significantly brace himself with his upper limbs. When using a steering aid it is often said that the person steers left and falls right. This was especially so for Roger, and was to such a degree that it compromised vehicle safety. With CG Lock fitted Roger was able to achieve a very good degree of seating balance and this enabled him to steer left and not fall right to any significant degree. A picture of Roger is below.

Secondly is Amy who has Cerebral Palsy which restricts use of her lower limbs and results in general coordination difficulties. When Amy was asked to sum up CG Lock this is what she said "After trying a seat belt fixing it made me realise how many times I can become unbalanced while driving everyday. At first it felt peculiar to have the seat belt tighter around my seat but once I started driving it was not noticeable, I found it easier then usual to make turns because I felt comfortable in my seat and did not need to worry about my legs or hips twisting."

When a "performance" driver has to avoid the unwanted movements mentioned by Amy, they do so by twisting at the hips and shoulders. The extra tension placed on the body by doing this reduces the feedback they are able to feel. Hence they have reduced fine control over the pedals or steering. Everyday drivers also do the same twisting and additionally allow themselves to slouch in the seat. This is a known cause of back pain and makes the task of driving more tiring.

Therefore in conclusion CG Lock allows a driver to maintain the optimum driving position with the minimum of effort. By minimising the effort required to do this the driver can drive to the vehicles limits, minimize fatigue or optimize seating balance depending on individual requirements.

Please note: CG Lock is contraindicated if hip surgery has been performed or if a high degree of scoliosis is present (ie it is not possible to sit comfortably against the seat back).

More Information

• Access the Forum of Mobility Centres website.