'10 for 2' is no longer of this time

Frits Pieper
05 July 2019

During your driving lessons, your driving instructor probably taught you to hold the steering wheel in the ten-to-two position, a reference to the time on an analog clock. That view is now outdated. 

With your hands in this position, your vehicle control is not optimal. In the event of an accident, the risk of injury increases with your hands at 'ten to two'. The latter is mainly due to the airbag, which every modern car is equipped with. Those who want to be on time therefore prefer to keep their hands in the quarter to three position. By placing your hands as far apart as possible, which you do with this position, you have maximum vehicle control.

Hand on the wheel

You also see a lot of people with only one hand on the steering wheel. Drivers of manual transmission cars in particular often have their right hand on the gear lever all the time. This is a downright dangerous habit. You should only take your hand off the steering wheel to change gears. You also see some people driving with both hands on top or at the very bottom of the steering wheel. This is possibly even more dangerous than driving with one hand, because you have minimal control. Another dangerous habit is placing your hands on the hub or spokes of the steering wheel. This 'lazy' way of driving may be comfortable, but it slows down your reaction times when you have to anticipate an unexpected situation.

Quarter to three

So for maximum vehicle control and safety, position your hands at 'quarter to three', which is not such a big change from what you learned during your driving lessons. This is the safest way to drive, especially in modern cars with relatively small steering wheels, power steering and airbags.


Is your hand position on the handlebars still up to date? Or do you still ride with your hands at '10 to 2'? If so, will you change that after reading this article? A rent a car in the Urmond region can be done at Adrem Car Rental!

1 reaction

  1. Poo Chinese on January 6, 2023 at 01:00 PM

    A quarter to three is not possible, because that's where the middle part of the steering wheel is!

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