Where should your hands go on the steering wheel?
By now you know to keep both hands on the steering wheel when driving, but exactly where should they be positioned?
If you’ve had your driver’s licence for a while, you were probably taught the 10 and two rule, while kids these days likely know six and seven (if you know, you know but we do not recommend this).
So, here’s where your hands really should go.
Where do you put your hands on the steering wheel?
What’s the rule?
Imagine your steering wheel as a clock. Place your hands at 10 and two. This was once considered the safest steering position because it was thought that gripping the wheel at a higher point gave the driver more control of the vehicle.
New technologies, such as airbags and power-assisted steering, mean this position is outdated. Nine and three is now the preferred position as drivers are typically said to have better control of the vehicle, especially when completing emergency manoeuvres like sudden swerving to avoid a hazard.
According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, where you place your hands on the steering wheel can be lifesaving.
“Having your hands at 10 and two can unintentionally obstruct the steering wheel airbag when it’s deployed in a collision,” Charles says.
Besides safety, keeping your hands parallel at nine and three can make for a comfier drive.
“It’s also easier to access controls like the indicators or wipers,” Charles says.
But the biggest safety message for drivers to get a handle on is not necessarily where to place their hands but more so keeping both hands on the steering wheel the entire time they’re driving. This includes when the driver is stationary at the traffic lights, but not in park.
Can I be fined if my hands aren’t at nine and three?
You won’t be specifically fined for driving without your hands at nine and three, nor would you be penalised if they were at six and seven (again, not recommended).
That said, if you’re caught without proper control of the vehicle (not having a firm grip on the steering wheel can cause this), it’s considered unsafe and you may be handed a $236 fine, plus a $108 Victims of Crime Levy.
Steps to safe steering
Always position your hands at nine and three on the steering wheel. “Don’t rest your arm on the door as this can reduce your control of the vehicle and delay reaction times,” Charles says.
Leave your white knuckles for the rollercoaster. “Don’t tighten your grip on the steering wheel on wet or slippery roads as you can lose control of the vehicle,” Charles explains. “Only tighten your grip slightly when cornering or braking.”