Instructions on How to Hold the Steering Wheel Correctly and Safely While Driving

Steering wheel, also known as the steering wheel, is the main control device of a car, allowing the driver to adjust the direction of the vehicle. Holding the steering wheel not only affects the ability to control the vehicle, but is also directly related to the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users.

Factors such as sitting posture, hand position, steering wheel angle and steering technique all play an important role in ensuring safe and efficient driving. In addition, support devices such as airbags, power steering systems and multi-function steering wheels also contribute to improving safety and convenience when driving.

In this article, we will explore in detail about how to hold the steering wheel safely, effective driving techniques, as well as important notes to ensure safety on all roads.

The importance of holding the steering wheel correctly

Holding the steering wheel correctly is not only a basic skill but also a decisive factor in driving safety. According to statistics from the National Traffic Safety Committee of Vietnam, up to 30% of traffic accidents are related to improper vehicle control, including the way of holding the steering wheel.

Benefits of holding the steering wheel correctly:

• Increase vehicle control in all situations
• Reduce fatigue when driving long distances
• Respond faster in emergencies
• Reduce the risk of injury in a collision

Correct sitting position before holding the steering wheel

Before you even get behind the wheel, it’s important to get into the right sitting position. Research from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) shows that a correct sitting position can reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident by up to 40%.

Posture adjustment instructions:

• Adjust the seat so that the distance from the chest to the steering wheel is about 25-30cm
• Place your back completely against the chair.
• Knees slightly bent when fully accelerating and braking
• Adjust the headrest to level with the top of the head
• Ensure clear visibility through the windshield and mirrors.

Basic steering wheel technique “9 hours 15 minutes”

The “9:15” method is widely recognized and recommended by driving safety experts around the world. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), using this technique can reduce the risk of hand and wrist injuries in a crash by up to 25%.

Doing:

• Place your left hand at the 9 o'clock position on the steering wheel.
• Place your right hand at the 3 o'clock position on the steering wheel.
• Keep your thumbs on the steering wheel rim, not gripping it tightly.

Advanced steering wheel techniques

In addition to the basic method, there are several advanced techniques suitable for different driving situations:

The “8:4:XNUMX” method:

• Suitable for vehicles with airbags
• Reduces the risk of injury when airbags deploy
• Increased control in emergency situations

One-handed technique:

• Use only in special cases (e.g. when reversing)
• Place hands at 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock
• Use with caution and only when experienced.

Note: According to a survey by the Vietnam Register, 70% of professional drivers prefer the “9 hours 15 minutes” method, while 20% use “8 hours 4 hours” for modern vehicles.

How to turn the steering wheel properly

Proper steering technique not only helps you control your vehicle better, but also reduces the risk of wrist injuries. According to a study by the Hanoi Driver Training and Testing Center, applying the correct steering technique can reduce the effort required to drive by up to 40%.

Push-pull technique:

• Start with hands in position 9 and 3
• Pull the steering wheel with one hand while the other hand slides up.
• Push the steering wheel with the hand that just slid up, the other hand slid down
• Repeat the process until the steering wheel is completely rotated.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Turn the steering wheel by crossing your hands
• Let go of the wheel and let it return.
• Turning the steering wheel too fast or too hard

Adjust steering wheel grip according to driving conditions

Adjusting the way you hold the steering wheel to suit each driving condition is an important skill of a professional driver. According to a survey by the Vietnam Automobile Transportation Association, 85% of accidents on steep mountain passes are related to not adjusting the way you hold the steering wheel properly.

Highway driving:

• Keep your hands in a 9-3 or 8-4 position.
• Relax your shoulders and arms to reduce fatigue
• Change hand position frequently and gently to avoid numbness.

Driving in the city:

• Use the 9-3 method to easily turn the steering wheel quickly.
• Always ready to react quickly
• Increase concentration and observation of surroundings

Driving on steep mountain roads:

• Hold the steering wheel tighter than usual
• Use the push-pull technique to turn the steering wheel quickly and accurately
• Avoid slipping your hands on the steering wheel.

Common mistakes when holding the steering wheel and how to fix them

According to statistics from driving training centers across the country, up to 60% of students make at least one of the following mistakes when holding the steering wheel:

Holding the steering wheel too tightly:

• Symptoms: White knuckles
• Consequences: Hands get tired quickly, reduced ability to react
• Solution: Relax your hand, using just enough pressure to maintain control.

Holding the steering wheel too loosely:

• Symptom: Hands slip on the steering wheel when turning
• Consequences: Loss of vehicle control in emergency situations
• Solution: Increase holding force just enough, use push-pull technique

Wrong hand position:

• Symptoms: Hands are placed at 10-2 or too low
• Consequences: Reduced control, increased risk of injury when airbag deploys
• Fix: Practice placing your hands in a 9-3 or 8-4 position.

Corrective exercises:

• Practice driving in an empty parking lot at low speed
• Use the marking circle on the steering wheel to position your hands.
• Ask the person sitting next to you to remind you when you find a mistake

Safe steering wheel support devices

Modern technology has brought many supporting devices to make holding the steering wheel safer and more comfortable. According to a report by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), 70% of new cars sold in 2023 will be equipped with at least one of the following devices:

Anti-slip steering wheel cover:

• Material: Synthetic rubber or artificial leather
• Effect: Increase friction, reduce hand slippage
• Effectiveness: Reduces the risk of losing control due to hand slippage by 30%.

Electric Power Steering (EPS):

• Principle: Using electric motor to support steering wheel rotation
• Advantages: Reduced effort required, increased steering sensitivity
• Statistics: 90% of new urban cars are equipped with EPS

Multi-function steering wheel:

• Integration: Audio control, phone, cruise control
• Benefits: Reduces hands off the wheel, increasing safety
• Equipment rate: 60% on mid-range models and above

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS):

• Function: Warning when the vehicle unintentionally deviates from the lane
• Impact: Helps drivers focus more on steering
• Effective: Reduces lane departure accidents by 46% according to IIHS study

Heated steering wheel:

• Application: Popular in countries with cold climates
• Benefits: Keeps hands warm, increases steering wheel feel and control
• Equipment rate: 15% on high-end car models in Vietnam

Important Note: While assistive devices are helpful, they cannot replace proper driving skills. Practice and good habits remain the most important factors in ensuring safe driving.

Holding the steering wheel correctly is a basic but extremely important skill for every driver. Not only does it help increase the ability to control the vehicle, it also plays a decisive role in ensuring the safety of the driver and other road users.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to adjust the steering wheel grip when driving an automatic versus a manual transmission?

For automatic cars, you can maintain the 9-3 or 8-4 hand position continuously. With manual cars, you need to be more flexible: keep your left hand at the 9 o'clock position and only move your right hand to change gears, then quickly return to the 3 o'clock position. Statistics show that manual car drivers have a 0,2 second faster reaction time in emergency situations due to this habit. Read the article now: Instructions how to drive automatic car safely & common driving mistakes are shared in the most detail on the website.

2. Is there any difference in the way the steering wheel is held between a car with power steering and one without?

There is a significant difference. Power steering allows for a lighter grip on the steering wheel, with a force of only 2-3 Newtons. In contrast, non-power steering requires a force of 10-15 Newtons, especially when steering at low speeds. This affects the tightness of the grip and the frequency with which the hands need to be repositioned to avoid fatigue.

3. How should I adjust my steering wheel grip when driving on the highway compared to urban roads?

On the highway, maintain a 9-3 or 8-4 hand position with moderate tightness (about 60% of maximum grip) to ensure stable control at high speeds. In urban areas, be more flexible, ready to turn the wheel quickly with a push-pull technique, keeping your hands in the basic position but ready to move to make quick turns. Statistics show that 78% of highway accidents are related to improper steering wheel holding.

4. Are there any special steering wheel holding techniques when driving in bad weather conditions such as heavy rain or slippery roads?

In bad weather conditions, use the “cross grip” technique: Place your hands in the 9-3 position, but rotate your wrists slightly so that your thumbs are pointing up instead of horizontally. This increases control by 30% when the bike is skidding. At the same time, increase the grip to about 70-80% of maximum force to ensure that your hands do not slip when encountering uneven road surfaces. See the article now: Instructions how to drive a car in the rainy season – Driving skills, handling & things to know.

5. How to adjust the steering wheel grip when driving a large vehicle such as a truck or bus?

For large vehicles, the “wide grip” technique should be applied: Widen the distance between the two hands, placing them at the 8-4 position instead of the 9-3 position. This increases the range of control by 25% and reduces the level of arm fatigue by 40% when driving long distances. In addition, it is necessary to increase the frequency of changing hand positions, about every 15-20 minutes, to avoid numbness due to the larger weight of the steering wheel.