The first two installments of this three part series addressed various steering wheel hand positions and by whom those positions were advocated. This article addresses why each of the driving methods are espoused. Once again, for this discussion, we will assume that the automobile is a non-commercial vehicle.

The research performed by Atkinson (SAE 2002-01-0022) shows that the forearm was the most commonly fractured upper extremity. Airbag deployment is associated with an increase of 2 to 3 times in the proportion of forearm fractures versus no airbag deployment. His research concluded that "airbag deployment increases the risk of forearm fracture as a proportion of all upper extremity fractures and that females are at an increased risk of such injury."

How does this relate to hand positions? Quite simply, utilization of the 9 and 3 (8 and 4) hand position, when used in the "shuffle" steering method, appears to keep the upper extremities more clear of the airbag during activation. Additionally, if the upper extremities are thrown about due to an airbag deployment, they are less likely to be flung into the driver’s face.

Finally, according to Dr. Smock (www.airbagonoff.com), motor vehicle operators should be aware that although airbags can significantly reduce the severity of injuries sustained in frontal collisions the module cover has the potential to inflict serious, even fatal, injuries.