If someone approached you and asked about the most common cause of car accidents, what would your first guess be? Many would assume drunk driving is the main cause of car accidents. Others may believe in reckless driving. According to the NHTSA, the poor steering technique is the main cause of car accidents.
Do you worry that your current steering technique could be limiting your ability to drive, or increasing your chance of getting into an accident? We’ll be sharing some steering tips that will make driving safer.
- The 10-2 Technique can be changed to a 9-3 technique
You may have heard about the 10-2 technique during your driving lessons. The 10-2 technique is the hand position on the steering wheel. The left position corresponds to the 10 o’clock position, while the right position corresponds to the 2 o’clock position. This technique may be safe for large steering wheels. However, it can prove dangerous for the smaller steering wheel with airbags.
The 9-3 technique is recommended for vehicles with smaller wheels. This will allow for better push-pull steering which we will discuss later. You can refer to the manual if you have any questions about where to put your hands.
- Use the Push-Pull Steering Method
Push-pull is a technique that allows you to use one hand to push the wheel and the other to pull it. If you want to turn left, for example, your left hand will move up to the 1 o’clock position. This will allow you to use your left hand to turn the wheel. Your right hand will slide down the wheel as you turn, meeting your left hand at its bottom. Your right hand will now take control, gripping the wheel with your right hand, pushing it further to the left as necessary, while your left-hand slides back up to the wheel ready to meet the right.
This is why this technique is so effective. This technique gives you complete control over your vehicle and prevents injuries. This is because your hands won’t cross each other and reduces the chance of further injuries should the airbags go off. This is only one technique you have, but it’s one that you should try!
- Keep a proper posture and position
To avoid an accident, knowing how to hold the steering wheel is a good idea. Your posture and positioning are also important. If you are in an accident, poor posture can lead to disaster. It can also increase your chances of being involved in a crash.
This will prevent you from having to drive with your bad posture. Adjusting the seat, side mirrors, headrest and other aspects of your vehicle is a good idea. This will make your driving more enjoyable and safer.
Conclusion
If you aren’t confident in your steering technique, it is worth taking the time to learn the correct techniques. This will make your car safer and reduce the potential injuries you could sustain if you are involved in an accident. It is essential to learn the correct techniques if you’re still working towards your car driver’s license. Proper steering techniques will be a frequent topic of questions that you will likely be asked. Knowing these basics will help ensure your success on your driving test to obtain the license you want.
LTrent Driving School provides driving lessons that are tailored to each student to help them learn the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and effectively. Book an appointment today if you’re looking for the best Driving School!