“3 & 9” is the New “10 & 2”

How do you hold the steering wheel? Probably 10 and 2 o’clock, right? Unless—and we really hope this isn’t the case—you drive with your knee. (If you do that, stop it!)

If you’re a two-and-tenner, it may be time to reconsider your hand positioning. Experts are now recommending that you hold the steering wheel at either 3 and 9 o’clock, or even lower at 4 and 8 o’clock. Apparently, if you’re involved in a crash and the airbags go off, you’ll be safer with your hands not flying into your face from the impact of the airbags.

If you hold the wheel at the newly recommended position, you’re also able to turn without taking your hands off the wheel, you’ll be better able to control the car, you’ll be able to react faster to diving conditions and hazards, and you’ll invite less fatigue.

Power steering has changed the game here. Early cars didn’t have power steering, and it was easier to start a turn by pulling down from a higher hand position. But now, so many new cars have power steering that the old “10 and 2” is becoming outdated.

Check out this video from AAA for more information on this technique.