Where To Put Your Hands on the Steering Wheel: Times Have Changed

Have you recently watched a NASCAR or Formula One race? Have you noticed where drivers position their hands on the wheel? They always have two hands on the wheel, don’t they? You don’t even think about it, do you? Does hand positioning matter? Research says it does; times have changed.

Years ago, the common advice was to position your hands on the wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock for the greatest control and maneuverability in an emergency. Today, it is recommended that hand positioning should be 9 and 3 or 8 and 4. Before the days of powering steering, gripping the top of the wheel provided more leverage to turn. Additionally, holding the wheel in a lower position can keep your hands and arms out of the way if the airbag deploys on impact. Holding the wheel in a lower position also means your elbows will be slightly bent. This means they won’t lock and you have a reduced risk to broken arms and elbows in the event of an auto accident. During an auto accident, the air bag will explode, protecting the driver’s head and chest from slamming into the front of the vehicle. With hands at 9 and 3, a driver’s arms stay out of the way allowing the air bag to do function properly. Hands and fingers should not be inside the spokes of the wheels. This is a risk to breaking fingers or a wrist. It also ensures minimal interaction with the air bag in the event of deployment.

Here’s another question for you: Do you know the correct seat position for driving? Contrary to popular belief, it is not where you feel the most comfortable. The seat position should be adjusted for your size and shape. The level of the driver’s eyesight must be at the center between the dash and the steering wheel. The driver’s seat should be slightly reclined with your body comfortably on the back of the seat. It should also be as far back as possible while still remaining in control of the vehicle. Typically a distance of 10” – 12” between your chest and the steering wheel is recommended.

Many drivers heed none of these recommendations. Some drive with one hand while eating with the other or using a hand-held cell phone (or their knees, holding both!). Others lean against the driver door, slouch, or have one hand on the window rim. We have become too relaxed behind the wheel and that is when our bad habits become dangerous. When behind the wheel, you must be in control of your vehicle at all times. The only way to do this is to improve your driving skills, this begins with good hand positions and proper seating position. And, of course, you must reduce the use, while driving, of those things that distract you from your principal task: Safe driving.

No matter how prepared you may be before you hit the roadways, unforeseen situations happen. Just because you are in control of your vehicle, doesn’t mean the other guy is. If you find yourself or a loved one seriously injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of another, you may be eligible for compensation due to pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of wages. Contacting an attorney that specializes in auto accidents can help you receive the compensation that you deserve.

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