Do you remember your mom or dad reminding you as a young driver to hold the steering wheel of your car at 10:00 and 2:00? Or maybe it was your driving instructor? We were all told that holding the wheel in that fashion would give us more control over the car and help us avoid car accidents.
Well – that was then and this is now…and things have changed!
Though it may be hard to remember, cars 20 or more years ago had large diameter steering wheels. They were larger in part to give the driver more leverage when turning. Newer vehicles now actually have significantly smaller steering wheels with airbags embedded in their centers. These newer cars also have much more efficient power steering assist mechanisms.
What does that mean for you?
Safety officials now recommend that drivers hold their steering wheels at 9:00 and 3:00 or even 8:00 and 4:00.
With this hand placement, you gain better vehicle control (fewer car accidents) – with no risk that airbag deployment will blow your hands and arms into your face causing injury.