What Are the Incorrect Ways to Hold a Car Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
There are five incorrect ways to hold a car steering wheel: the crossed hands method, one-handed steering, the mahjong style, the tractor method, and holding the wheel at the 5 or 7 o'clock position. Below are detailed explanations: One-handed steering: Holding the steering wheel with one hand while the other hand is on the gearshift, ready to change gears. This can easily cause the hand to slip off the wheel when driving on uneven roads. Mahjong style: If the palms are sweaty or the steering wheel surface is overly worn, this grip can easily lead to slipping. Tractor method: Steering with one hand while resting the other on the leg. This can also cause the hand to slip off the wheel when driving on uneven roads. Holding the wheel at the 5 or 7 o'clock position: This method involves moving the wheel incrementally. In situations requiring sharp turns or sudden maneuvers, this grip may not allow for sufficient steering, which is extremely dangerous. The correct way to hold a car steering wheel is: Imagine the steering wheel as a clock face. The left hand should be positioned between 9 and 10 o'clock, and the right hand between 3 and 4 o'clock. In the event of a collision, this posture provides better support for the body, ensuring driving safety.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have seen all sorts of bizarre steering wheel grips. The most dangerous is one-handed driving—some people always rest their right arm on the window, leaving only their left hand loosely holding the wheel. If a tire suddenly blows or you hit a pothole, the car can veer off instantly, leaving no time to react. Then there are youngsters who mimic movies by resting both hands on the top of the wheel like hugging a pillow—if the airbag deploys suddenly, it can fracture their arms. Gripping the wheel with a reverse hand is another fatal mistake; when the right hand is turned backward to hold the left side, it lacks the strength to react in an emergency. Another risky habit is driving with thumbs hooked into the wheel spokes—if the road is bumpy and the wheel jerks violently, it can snap fingers. These flashy but flawed postures may look cool, but in a real crisis, they leave no room for recovery.
