_edited_edited_edited.png)
Many new drivers in my class are being taught by thier parents or friends to keeps their hands positioned at 10 and 2. While this was a recommended and useful hand position at one time, since the mandatory addition of airbags to all vehicles manufactured in the United States after 1998, the 10 and 2 position can cause major damage to the hands and face if the air bags were to deploy in an accident. NY State Department of Motor Vehicles recommendation is that your hands remain at 3 and 9 at all times. With the 3 and 9 position shown below, airbags deploy and the pressure and force are spread thoughout the upper torso instead of your hands and face taking the impact.
This recommendation is not "new" news. Its actually been the preferred method for neary two decades now.
Now to confuse the issue:
The government has a different recommendation all together, you hand positions should be at
8 and 4.
So wait, who do we listen to? NY State? The government? Our parents?
I'm so confused!
The answer is simple, do what you feel is most comfortable as long as your hands are at 3 and 9 or lower you will save your face and hands from major injuries.
Drive Safe!
