We present experimental results on the vibrational characteristics of the a
utomotive sub-system comprising the human body, seat, steering wheel and pe
dals. The magnitude of the vibrations transferred to a driver from the seat
, steering wheel and pedals have been measured with both sinusoidal and ran
dom excitations in the vertical direction at frequencies up to 20 Hz. Measu
rement points were located on the surface of the head, chest, hip, thigh, s
hin, upper arm and lower arm. Eleven subjects were used to investigate the
effect of some variable factors, such as arm angle, that may affect human d
ynamic behavior. It was found that arm angle;in driving posture has a subst
antial influence on the dynamic behavior of the human body while driving. S
ome results are presented in the form of parametric graphs and tables. The
results are useful fur improving ride comfort, maneuverability, and safety.