How to hold the steering wheel
You can often watch a driver who looks like a lazy student sitting at a desk. He props his head, resting his elbow on the door with the glass down. The driver is confident in his abilities and in his car, so he holds the steering wheel with his right hand.
Consider the principle by which the most correct position of the driver’s hands on the steering wheel is determined, as well as some reasons why such a landing is extremely dangerous.
9/15 or 10/14?
It is believed that the most correct and safe option is to keep your hands at 9 and 15 hours or 10 and 14. Japanese scientists conducted a study to prove or disprove these statements.
Grip depends on the effort required to turn the steering wheel, so the position of the hands affects the effectiveness of the steering. And it is precisely the option “9 and 15” that gives maximum control over the steering wheel of a car. This factor is also affected by the presence of an airbag located in the center of the steering wheel.
Research scientists
To test their claims, the researchers put 10 people behind the wheel of a simulator that looks more like the steering wheel of an airplane. They had to hold the steering wheel in 4 different positions - from the optimal (9 and 15) to where there are deviations of 30 and 60 degrees in both directions.
The efforts made by the participants in the rotary experiment were studied. The neutral "horizontal" position of the hands is the most effective. However, it should be noted that some sensors in the car close their hands in such a position that confuses drivers.
During the experiment, participants also had to turn the steering wheel with only one hand. In this case, usually the hand is at the level of 12 hours, that is, at the top.
This is dangerous, because in such cases the driver does not have full control over the steering (even if he is very strong), and may also be injured when the airbag is deployed.
Road safety is more important than demonstrating your confidence. No security system replaces the driver’s response in an emergency.
Questions and answers:
How to learn how to turn the steering wheel when cornering? If the car is stable, then the steering wheel turns in the direction of the turn, after the maneuver it comes back. When skidding, turn towards skid and reduce throttle (rear-wheel drive) or add gas (on front-wheel drive).
How to properly keep your hands on the wheel? Their position should be at the level of 9 and 3 o'clock on the clock face. When turning, it is better to shift your arms rather than cross them. To return the steering wheel to a straight position, it is enough to release it a little.
