Hand-Over-Hand Steering and Other Steering Techniques to Master

Steering control is extremely important when driving. It can blur the lines between a safe and dangerous driving experience, which is why it’s important to know the best steering practices available.

Standard Hand Positions Behind the Wheel

Before maneuvering the steering wheel, it’s important to know the correct hand positions for your safety.

10 and 2

The 10 and 2 steering wheel position is arguably the most popular one because it’s frequently taught in driving schools.

There is, however, some debate about its safety. According to reports, this position can put drivers at a greater risk of injury if the vehicle is equipped with an airbag. When released, the impact from the airbag could cause the driver’s hands to get thrown back and hit their face.

9 and 3

The 9 and 3 hand position is generally regarded as a safer setup than the 10 and 2, but both positions have the same level of steering control.

The 9 and 3 position is also accepted across all states. Using this technique won’t result in deductions if you’re in driving school.

8 and 4

Compared to the other two positions, the 8 and 4 setup is the most comfortable one when driving for extended periods. Driving handbooks also recognize this position as an alternative to the 10 and 2.

Some experts who don’t recommend using this position because it doesn’t give the same leverage as the 9 and 3.

Instead, you can use this hand position when little maneuvering is required, such as driving on highways.

3 Basic Types of Steering

There are generally three steering techniques you can use to turn the steering wheel一hand-over-hand, hand-to-hand, and one-hand steering.

Hand-Over-Hand

Hand-over-hand steering is best used when turning at low speeds with limited visibility. These conditions include crossing an intersection, parking your vehicle, and recovering from a skid.

Basically, this type of steering makes you put one hand across the other when making a turn.

Let’s get a bit more specific.

When doing the hand-over-hand steering, you begin with your left hand between 8 and 9 o’clock and the right hand between 3 and 4 o’clock.

From there, use the right or left top third of the wheel to move right or left, and use the opposite hand (depending on the direction) to reach across the other arm, and pull the wheel up, over, and down.

The hand that initiated the motion should release the wheel, returning it to its original position.

Hand-To-Hand

Also known as push/pull steering, hand-to-hand steering divides the wheel into two, with both hands staying on their respective sides. Simply put, there’s no chance for one of your hands to cross over the other.

Hand-to-hand steering is intended for navigating sharp curves at high speeds. With this steering technique, your thumbs are pointed upward, giving you a superior downward grip on the wheel for better control.

One-Hand

If you went to driving school, you’ve probably heard your instructor tell you to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. However, this won’t always be the case, depending on certain conditions.

Backing and operating certain vehicle controls (e.g., wipers, flashers, infotainment buttons) will certainly require you to take one hand off the steering wheel out of necessity.

When using one hand, it’s important to keep it in the 8-9 or 3-4 o’clock position to maintain vehicle stability, reduce steering reversal, and have enough room for additional steering effort.

There might be a time when you’ll be forced to put your hand in the 12 o’clock position. In most cases, backing your vehicle to the left or right will require you to use this hand position because you need to turn your body to look at the rear windshield.

Bad Steering Habits to Avoid

You’re bound to get more comfortable behind the wheel the longer you drive.

Relaxed driving isn’t something that can get you in trouble with the cops, but being too relaxed to the point where you’re no longer in control of your vehicle is an entirely different story.

Here are some steering habits you might want to avoid the next time you’re out on the road.

Driving with a Lazy Grip

One arm hanging out by the window might seem like a cool way to drive, but you’re actually putting yourself in harm’s way.

Unless you’re backing into a parking space or changing gears, both hands should always grip the steering wheel for maximum control.

Dry Steering

Dry steering is the habit of turning the steering wheel even when the vehicle isn’t moving. This can damage the tires and put more strain on the steering linkage because of the added resistance.

Steering Wheel-Related Injuries

The steering wheel has an inflator module, which contains the airbag, an igniter, a canister of flammable gas, and sodium azide pellets.

It’s standard protocol for the airbags to deploy upon collision. If your hands are in the wrong position while gripping the steering wheel, your arms could hit your face at roughly 200 miles per hour.

Forearm fractures, wrist fractures, finger and thumb fractures, nose and cheekbone fractures, and facial lacerations are the most common types of injuries you could suffer if your hands are in the wrong steering wheel position during a collision.

Wrapping Up

Hand placement on the steering wheel might seem like a minor thing to consider when driving, but it makes all the difference in terms of vehicle control.

Hand-over-hand, hand-to-hand, and one-hand steering are the basic steering wheel positions. They come with their respective advantages and disadvantages, as well as appropriate applications, depending on certain conditions.

Lastly, bad steering habits like a lazy grip or dry steering should be avoided at all costs. These could lead to accelerated wear on certain components and increase the risk of getting into an accident.