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The Road Scholar
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| Steer This Way |
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| Updated |
Jul 7, 2004 20:31:12 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Tara Baukus Mello |
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Description:
It's one of the most common "mistakes" I see while I'm driving. It's so common in fact, that more people do it incorrectly than correctly. At least that's what it seems like from my observations of other drivers. Why are so many people doing it wrong? For many, it's a case of old habits being hard to break. Others (even those who haven't been driving that long) were taught one way and now there is a new "school of thought." Re-learn this steering technique and you will improve your driving, be less fatigued behind the wheel and possibly prevent an injury in the event you have an accident. So, what's the common mistake? It's hand placement on the steering wheel. Are you one of the many that were taught to drive with your hands at "ten" and "two" on the steering wheel? Do you drive with one hand at the top (noon) or the bottom (six) of the wheel? None of these positions are the optimum placement for your hands in today's vehicles. Surprised? So was I. Let's take a look at what is "correct" and why, according to the current drivers' education philosophy. I've Got To Hand It To You
Over the years, there have been a variety of theories on the correct place to put your hands when driving. The only consistent "rule" has been to keep two hands on the wheel. This allows for optimum control during regular driving and prepares you in the event you need to make an emergency maneuver. But where do you put your hands?
Today's recommendation of hand placement (if you imagine your steering wheel is a clock) is anywhere between seven and nine for your left hand and between three and five for your right hand. Although it may feel "funny" to have your hands so low on the steering wheel, you actually have plenty of control over your vehicle. A lower hand position makes you less likely to overcorrect during an emergency maneuver, which is often what causes spins, slides and rollovers. This position is also better from an ergonomic standpoint. By keeping your upper arms closer to your sides and your forearms slightly bent, your shoulders and back will be less fatigued. Perhaps most importantly, with today's steering-wheel-mounted airbags, keeping your hands in the lower section of the steering wheel will minimize injury in the event that the driver's side airbag deploys. When airbags deploy, they do so in literally the blink of an eye and with tremendous force. If your hands are higher on the steering wheel, they can be propelled back into your face or the side window when the airbag deploys, causing fractures or bone breaks. Keeping them low means your arms are less likely to be injured. No More Hand Over Hand
This "new" theory of hand placement also requires a different method of steering. In the past, driver's education courses often taught a "hand over hand" method when taking turns. Using this method would mean that your hands have to be placed on the upper portion of the wheel at several points during the turn---a big no-no. Instead, the "shuffle" steering method, also known as "push-pull," is recommended. Commonly used by European drivers, this method allows you to keep your hands in basically the same position as when driving straight and feed the wheel through your hands, pushing with one hand while pulling with the other. Too Close For Comfort
There is one other item that is key in maintaining proper driving position---the position of your seat. If you are sitting too close to the steering wheel, you'll run the risk of being hit by a deploying airbag. If you've ever seen crash test footage of a dummy being hit by an airbag, you know that this is not a pleasant thing. In fact, it can be extremely dangerous. Yet if you are too far away from the steering wheel, you'll be sore from poor posture. To find the ideal position for your seat, first move the seat back as far as possible while you can still comfortably reach the pedals. Next, recline the back of the seat slightly. There should be at least ten inches of space between your breastbone and the center of the steering wheel. If your steering wheel has a tilt feature, tip it down, so the airbag will be pointed at your chest, instead of your head or neck, in the event it deploys. If you try this position next time you are behind the wheel, it's likely you'll feel pretty darn awkward. I know that's how I felt when I tried it. Do yourself a favor though, and keep at it. This position does take some getting used to, but you'll find it is more comfortable---and safer--- in the long run. Tara Baukus Mello is a seasoned automotive journalist and the founder of SheDrives.com. Text and photos © Copyright 2000, Tara Baukus Mello. |
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