Is the steering wheel 9 and 3 or 10 and 2?
The proper hand position on the steering wheel has long been a topic of debate among drivers and automotive experts. The two most commonly recommended positions are 9 and 3 or 10 and 2. So, which is the correct way to hold the steering wheel?
The 9 and 3 Position
The 9 and 3 position, where the driver's hands are placed at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, is a traditional and widely recommended hand position. This position provides good control and stability, allowing the driver to make smooth turns and adjustments while keeping their arms in a comfortable, natural position. It also helps to minimize the risk of injury in the event of an airbag deployment, as the hands are positioned away from the center of the wheel.
The 10 and 2 Position
The 10 and 2 position, where the driver's hands are placed at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, is another common recommendation. This position is believed to offer better control and responsiveness, especially for high-performance or racing-style driving. It allows the driver to make quick, precise adjustments and maneuvers. However, this position also carries a higher risk of injury in the event of an airbag deployment, as the hands are closer to the center of the wheel.
The Recommended Approach
Most experts recommend the 9 and 3 position as the safest and most practical hand position for everyday driving. This position provides good control and stability while minimizing the risk of injury in the event of an airbag deployment. However, the 10 and 2 position may be more suitable for certain driving situations, such as high-performance or racing-style driving, where quick, precise adjustments are necessary. Ultimately, the choice of hand position should be based on the driver's comfort, skill level, and the specific driving conditions.
Why is the 10 and 2 hand position no longer considered the best steering position?
FOCUS ON AIRBAGS
If the driver's hands are at the top of the wheel at 10-2 when the wheel-mounted airbag deploys, the hands are likely to be knocked into the driver's face, AAA's William Van Tassel, manager of driver training operations, told Business Insider.
Is it 10 to 2 or 9 to 3?
In that case, moving your hands down on the wheel to the 9 and 3 position is recommended. Not only is the 9 and 3 position completely acceptable, it is actually a bit safer because it keeps your hands clearer of the airbag should it deploy.
Why 8 and 4 instead of 10 and 2?
Why? Because the “4 o'clock and 8 o'clock” hand position keeps your wrists and arms out of harm's way if the airbag deploys.
Why did 10 and 2 change to 9 and 3?
The new hand and thumb positions reduce the chance that drivers will suffer broken wrists, thumbs, and even broken noses or concussions when their hands fly back from the force of the airbag when it deploys during a crash.
Are 9 inch hands big?
There is however an ideal measurement from which it is understood that a hand can be considered is large enough, 9 inches or 22.86 cm. Anything below that is considered a small hand. There are many examples of players whose hand size has been valued, for better or worse.
Are your hands supposed to be at 9 and 3?
The NHTSA has altered its recommendations to the 9 and 3 approach based on extensive research and crash data. The small adjustment from 10 and 2 to 9 and 3 helps you maintain good control over your vehicle while also reducing the risk of airbag-related injuries.
Why is it no longer 10 and 2?
The NHTSA recommends hand-to-hand steering as the preferred method rather than 10 and 2 because it can be unsafe in vehicles featuring smaller steering wheels and are equipped with airbags.
Is 10/2 or 9/3 better?
What is the ideal steering wheel hand placement? Experts at the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommend 9 and 3 — on opposite sides of the wheel halfway up — as the ideal steering wheel hand placement.
Is it 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 on the steering wheel?
Lower your hands. You probably learned to keep your hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends drivers put their hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions.
What is the 10 to 2 on the steering wheel?
If you picture your car's steering wheel as an old-fashioned round clock, most drivers were taught to hold the wheel at the 10:00 and 2:00 positions. While this may have served drivers well when the idea was introduced, it is now recommended that drivers hold their steering wheels at the 9:00 and 3:00 positions.
