Hands on steering wheel best position

[jamei303]

The eternal debate about whether a quarter-to-three or ten-to-two position is optimal was actually settled back in the 1920s.

The answer is that the quarter-to-three position "always looks ugly".

[Super Sonic]

Wasn't this written in the days before adjustable seats and steering wheels?
Does it say, on the next page, 'using these hand positions enables one to have access to the ignition advance lever'?

[littlebasher]

I thought it was now a single hand, in the 12 o'clock position with seat reclined as far as possible


At least, it seems to be around these parts

[Pica-Pica]

Super Sonic said:

Wasn't this written in the days before adjustable seats and steering wheels?
Does it say, on the next page, 'using these hand positions enables one to have access to the ignition advance lever'?

No, it’s ‘using these hand positions enables one to have access to gear-change paddle levers’

[Dave.]

[Aunty Pasty]

The 9-3 position is the recommended way to hold the wheel these days. Flappy paddle access and less chance of injury if the airbag was to deploy.

[Rough101]

Right hand at 11 o’clock if you’ve front tints and car full of cloud.

[Glosphil]

Aunty Pasty said:

The 9-3 position is the recommended way to hold the wheel these days. Flappy paddle access and less chance of injury if the airbag was to deploy.

Agreed i have always used the 9-3 since I started driving in 1967.

Gives easy access to stalks without having to move hands, just fingers. For my last & current car also ideal for manual gear-shift paddles.

[whimsical ninja]

I did 9-3 for years until I did a load of training a couple of years ago when my seating position was changed (I'm a lot closer to the wheel now) and also a change to 10-2. It was never really explained to me why but it feels a lot more comfortable these days - I imagine it's something to do with having a stronger action on that first pull down.

[markymarkthree]

HANDS!!

Its knees in the artic whilst getting a brew on.

[R0G]

Most modern cars have the extra wide bit on each side of the wheel for the thumbs at the 10 2 position

[Pica-Pica]

R0G said:

Most modern cars have the extra wide bit on each side of the wheel for the thumbs at the 10 2 position

Agreed.
Easy access to paddles
Easy access to stalks
Gives a longer initial pull-down arc than 9-3 position (though on a tight turn, I move my pull-down hand to 5 to/5 past position at the start)

[LightningBlue]

R0G said:

Most modern cars have the extra wide bit on each side of the wheel for the thumbs at the 10 2 position

There’s usually a recess for the thumbs for quarter to three. That’s my preferred position as you have very fine control. I asked an advanced instructor why they recommend ten to two and he said ‘in case the airbag goes off’

[LightningBlue]

If you’re at either quarter to three or ten to two that’s great though, as you’ll have far more control than most people on the road who hold it one handed either at the top or bottom, and veering all over the road

[Pica-Pica]

LightningBlue said:

There’s usually a recess for the thumbs for quarter to three. That’s my preferred position as you have very fine control. I asked an advanced instructor why they recommend ten to two and he said ‘in case the airbag goes off’

I think he was pulling your pisser.

[Len Woodman]

Check out Dom in all the Fast and Furious films - that must be correct?

[PhilAsia]

On a slow speed, sharp bend and depending on ability - and a number of other factors - I teach to bring the initiating "pull" hand to 12 o'clock....., or even past 12 for a longer sweep. Ooooo, bit radical, I know!!

[RedAlfa]

LightningBlue said:

If you’re at either quarter to three or ten to two that’s great though, as you’ll have far more control than most people on the road who hold it one handed either at the top or bottom, and veering all over the road

Exactly. So many people drive with one hand in the 12 o'clock position, and their vehicle control is appalling. They don't give a single st

[PhilAsia]

Correct, hands on steering wheel IS the best position...

[Pica-Pica]

PhilAsia said:

Correct, hands on steering wheel IS the best position...

like this? Oh, seat belt on as well. (Then again, the law is just for the plebs)