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Time to Drive? (Part 2) |
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The first installment of this three part series compared the two types of steering inputs based on the 10 and 2 versus the 9 and 3 (8 and 4) hand positions. This article addresses the question of "by whom" each of the driving hand positions are advocated. Once again, for this discussion, we will assume that the automobile is a non-commercial vehicle. 10 and 2 Historically, the hand position 10 and 2 has been the norm. This position most resembles the classical ‘hand over hand’ steering method, but this may not be explicitly stated by each entity. The State of Tennessee’s Driver Handbook still promotes this position (www.tennessee.gov). |
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Sensible Solutions, LLC, a network of airbag switch installers, recommends that when you drive you grip your steering wheel at the sides or bottom, never higher than the 10 and 2 positions (www.airbagonoff.com). This source also states that you should never drive with your hands at the top of the steering wheel or with your hands, thumbs, fingers or arms resting on the center of your steering wheel. 9 and 3 or (8 and 4) More recently, there has been a shift toward the 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 position. Users of this hand position will most likely use the shuffle steering method, although this may not be explicitly advocated. The State of California Driver’s Handbook recommends this position (www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/driver_handbook_toc.htm). Other proponents of these positions include the Buckeye Insurance Group (www.buckeye-ins.com/airbag.html), Smart Motorist (www.smartmotorist.com/pos/pos.htm), and Silhouet Racing (www.silhouet.com). Other hand positions advocated. The New Mexico Driver License Manual (www.state.nm.us/tax/pubs/mvddrvrs.htm) recommends positioning of the left hand between 8 and 10 and the right hand between 2 and 4. The Oklahoma Driver’s Manual (www.dps.state.ok.us/dls/) prefers the left hand between 9 and 10:30 and the right hand between 2 and 4. It is of interest to note that neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.org) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) have adopted a stance on ‘proper hand position’. The third and last installment of this three part series will address the question of ‘why’ each of the driving methods has been advocated. Additionally, the above entities have been used as exemplars only and the author has no ties or opinions as to the content of these entities and/or views either online or offline. -Winthrop P. Smith, PhD. |
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Reprinted from The Reconstructor, Newsletter of Boster, Kobayashi & Associates, Winter 2004. |
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