Where to place your hands on the steering wheel
Placing hands on the steering wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock keep them out of the way of airbags. Credit: Fotolia
When you learned to drive, you were probably taught to hold the steering wheel at the 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions. If you're still doing that, it's time for a change. Having your hands at 10 and 2 puts your arms in the line of fire if your air bag deploys.
So where do you put your hands? In its latest driver's manual, the state Department of Motor Vehicles says, "Place your hands on the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions."
AAA Senior Driving concurs, adding that the 3 and 9 o'clock positions also allow for "optimum control" of the steering wheel. AAA says some drivers may feel more comfortable at a slightly lower position, and 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock are also acceptable. No matter which positions you choose, AAA says try to sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover.
