Historically, drivers have been instructed to hold the steering wheel at the “10 o’clock” and “2 o’clock” positions. The reasoning is that this allows for maximum hand-over-hand control when making turns. Old as this advice may be, there’s a very good reason why you shouldn’t drive at “10 and 2.”
More Serious Injuries
Driving at “10 and 2” causes more severe injuries, especially in crashes where the airbag deploys. You can demonstrate this yourself. Put your arms out at the “10 and 2” position. Notice that your arms are stiff. If you were in a crash, there’s a higher chance of an elbow injury or a forearm fracture.
Now try to fold your arms toward your body. Your arms cross over each other. In a high-speed collision, you could inadvertently be injured by your own body bouncing around the cab or hitting yourself.
So if “10 and 2” is the more dangerous choice, how should you hold the steering wheel?
The Alternative
These days, many safety experts suggest holding the wheel at the “9 o’clock” and “3 o’clock” positions. Try this for yourself and you can see why.
Holding the wheel this way does not lock your elbows, already reducing the risk of an injury. Now try bringing your hands back to your body. Because your shoulders aren’t extended, you can pull your arms straight back and keep them pinned to your sides. If you were in a crash, keeping your arms close to your body could potentially prevent lacerations and broken limbs.
Driving at “9 and 3” is a minor change, but if you’re ever in a crash it just might protect you from a catastrophic injury.
If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries in a car crash, you might have a case. If you’d like an experienced Riverdale car accident attorney from Law Offices of Falanga & Chalker to evaluate your case, please don’t hesitate to send us an email or call (470) 450-1164.
