Steering Wheel Hand Position: 10 and 2 vs. 9 and 3

The placement of the hands on the steering wheel is a matter of keeping control and safety while driving. The recommended position has changed over time, considering new technology of airbags and changes in driving technique. The traditional “10 and 2” lesson has been around for ages, but these days, most and more trainers now promote keeping hands at the “9 and 3” positions for added security and more control of the vehicle. Let’s check them both out.

The Original 10 and 2 Position

The “10 and 2” steering wheel position refers to a driver placing their hands on the wheel as if they were on the clock at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. This method has been the backbone of driver’s education for years and was developed to give drivers the most control possible in the days before airbags.

Cars didn’t used to have airbags, and the 10 and 2 position allowed drivers to quickly respond to steering input or unexpected obstacles. It also kept hands high on the wheel, which helped when older steering systems required more effort to turn.

However, this position has its drawback with the modern vehicles equipped with airbags. During an airbag deployment, hands at 10 and 2 can be sent flying up towards the face or head of the driver, which can cause injury.

The Modern 9 and 3 Position

The “9 and 3” hand position is now widely recommended by driving experts and organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With this position, your hands rest at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions on the wheel, which provides a balanced grip and improved control over the vehicle.

This lower hand position helps to avoid injury from airbag deployment, as the hands are away from the airbag’s path. Moreover, the 9 and 3 positions provide better ergonomics, where there is less strain on the arms and shoulders for longer driving periods. The same position also helps while doing hand-over-hand or push-pull steering.

The 8 and 4 Position

The other alternative is the “8 and 4” hand position, where hands are placed even lower on the wheel. This position is even more comfortable for long distances but doesn’t offer precisely the control that comes from the 9 and 3 positions. It comes in handy when cruising along the highway but is hardly optimal when situations arise needing a very rapid or sudden change of steering.

Where should your hands be on the steering wheel? Key Points

Airbag Safety: Newer cars have airbags in the center of the steering wheel. The 9 and 3 o’clock position helps to prevent hand and arm injuries that can happen when the airbag goes off.

Steering Control: The 9 and 3 position is a good balance between comfort and control, especially for new drivers or during a driving test. It is also the position that CDL license tests prefer, where accuracy and correct hand placement are required.

Driving Conditions: The 9 and 3 position is better for city driving or places with many turns because it helps the driver make smoother and more effective steering changes. The 8 and 4 position is more comfortable but might not be quick enough for these situations.