Whether you drive a car with a manual transmission or an automatic rental, some drivers still drive the way their instructor showed them. Unfortunately, this may not be a good practice today. For a long time, the main lesson of the courses was to put the hands of the steering wheel in the "10 and 2 o'clock" position. If you use this method, you are exposed to some risks that your instructor could not have foreseen. They are largely due to safety improvements, such as airbags. That is why modern transport organizations recommend hand positions "9 and 3 o'clock".
Driving with your hands on "8 and 4 hours"
While most driving academy agencies recommend this principle, but some consider the "8 and 4 o'clock" positions to be safer. According to them, this option reduces the risk of serious injuries associated with the airbag in a collision, but the ability to control the car decreases. The maximum distance between the steering wheel arms ensures precision and better control of the vehicle. Stick to "9 and 3" and the way you drive the car will be significantly improved.
Driving with both hands on “12 Hours”
This is a very common problem, although driving with two hands at the top of the steering wheel is no less dangerous than driving with one hand. In a situation that requires a quick response, you will fail because you lose a huge amount of precision. In addition, in the event of a collision and activation of the airbags, your hands will be sent at high speed directly to your face. The injuries you will receive can be easily avoided by keeping your hands as far apart as possible.
One-hand on the steering wheel
Drivers acquire bad habits very quickly, and once they get used to driving in a certain way, it can be difficult to change it. Think about how many times you have seen someone drive with only one hand. Whether you're checking your phone or setting up the radio, one-handed driving is one of the most dangerous ways to drive. The moment you release the steering wheel is enough for an accident to happen. That's why you only have to lower your hand to shift gears on manual gearboxes, but the rule also applies to driving an automatic.
Driving by holding the central part of the steering wheel
It may not be as common as one-handed driving, but a surprising number of drivers keep their steering wheel in the center. Some even do it with just one finger! It is easy to guess why the remarkably lazy method falls into the "bad driving habits" column. Driving in this way is very dangerous as it gives almost no control over the car, especially in critical situations. If you drive like this, be sure to change your habit, because the results will inevitably be bad.
Do not think taking a driving license is the final stage in your driving training or that long experience guarantees that you are driving in the right way. Technology is changing the way cars are designed, and no matter how long your experience is, the car will respond better if you get rid of bad habits behind the wheel. You may need to re-learn how to hold different types of steering wheels and this will make your travels much safer.
