What Car? Q&A - How can I avoid car sickness?

Q: Has any research been carried out on what types of cars are more or less likely to cause car sickness?
James Robertson

A: It appears that little research has been conducted on this subject, but there are several steps you can take to help reduce the effects of motion sickness.

Many people find it helpful to focus on the horizon while travelling in a car, so try to ensure all passengers have a good view out – cars with higher rooflines and taller windows should help, while some 4x4s have raised rear seats to improve forward visibility for those in the back. Rearward-facing seats tend to generate motion sickness quicker.

The way you drive can also have an influence – smooth handling, relaxed gearchanges and gentle braking should help, as will avoiding routes with lots of twisty roads.

Other tips for preventing car sickness include not sitting in direct sunlight, getting plenty of fresh air, taking frequent stops on long journeys, not travelling on an empty stomach and not reading while in the car.