To turn a car left or right, you smoothly turn the steering wheel in the desired direction (left turns are counter-clockwise, right turns are clockwise) while looking far ahead into the turn, using the "push-pull" or "hand-over-hand" technique, and then gently unwinding the wheel to straighten out as you accelerate out of the turn, always checking mirrors and blind spots.
You should hold your hands at 9 and 3, not 10 and 2, because it offers better control, is more comfortable for long drives, and crucially, keeps your hands out of the way of airbag deployment, which can cause serious injuries like broken bones or facial damage when hands are at the higher 10 and 2 position. The older 10 and 2 method was for cars without power steering, requiring more force, but modern cars with airbags and power steering make 9 and 3 the safer, more efficient choice, used even by professional drivers.
– Do you remember the common instruction to place your hands in the “10 o'clock and 2 o'clock” position on the steering wheel? Well, that is no longer recommended. “4 and 8” is the new “10 and 2”.
Left turns are dangerous because drivers must focus on multiple hazards, including other vehicles, traffic lights, blind spots, and more. This type of maneuver is even harder when extra circumstances increase the risks associated with driving, such as night driving or poor weather.
Maintain Normal Position: Keep your normal driving position on approach, about one meter from the curb, unless road markings indicate otherwise. Avoid Cutting Corner: Do not move significantly to the left before reaching the turning point, as this could encourage overtaking on your left.
The 9 and 3 o'clock position also allows drivers to change lanes safely because they can go 180 degrees either way and arrive back at the center. It's also better for your arms and hands and reduces fatigue, making it the ideal hand position for a long drive.
Common driving advice is that you should keep your hands at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. This technique is supposed to give you maximum control of the steering wheel so you're able to make hand-over-hand turning maneuvers.
One of the biggest reasons is airbag safety. When an airbag deploys, it comes out fast and forcefully, often at speeds of 200 miles per hour. With your hands at the 10 and 2 position, your arms are more likely to be thrown into your face or chest when the airbag deploys. This can lead to serious injuries.
The most common driving test fails center around poor observation (not checking mirrors/blind spots), speeding/speed control, failing to obey signs/lights (rolling through stops, ignoring signals), incorrect road positioning, and errors during maneuvers like parallel parking. Nerves, stalling, and not giving way to hazards or other traffic are also major reasons for failing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Reversing
Oversteering: Turning the steering wheel too sharply can cause your car to veer off course. Make small, controlled adjustments instead of big, abrupt turns. Forgetting to Check Mirrors: Your mirrors are your best friends when reversing.
In recent years, carmakers have embraced the technological freedoms that come with electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced electronic systems. This shift has allowed for the removal of traditional mechanical linkages in cars, freeing up interior space for more modern features and, of course, new ways to shift gears.
Now Let's Move on to the Numbers!
So, what do they mean? 1 & 2: These two gears are typically lower and used when driving at a slower speed. 3 & 4: These two gears are typically higher gears used when driving at a faster speed. 5: This gear is also high but is mainly used for highway driving.
It's best to use D3 when driving uphill, downhill, in stop-and-go traffic, and on slippery roads. Don't use D3 during highway driving and towing. You should also avoid driving faster than 30 mph when using D3. Not all automatic transmission cars have D3.
You should hold your hands at 9 and 3, not 10 and 2, because it offers better control, is more comfortable for long drives, and crucially, keeps your hands out of the way of airbag deployment, which can cause serious injuries like broken bones or facial damage when hands are at the higher 10 and 2 position. The older 10 and 2 method was for cars without power steering, requiring more force, but modern cars with airbags and power steering make 9 and 3 the safer, more efficient choice, used even by professional drivers.
Guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, now suggest that your hands be at “9 and 3” to reduce the risk of injury to your hands and arms if airbags deploy. As this image shows, drivers also should place their thumbs on the top rather than wrapping them around the wheel.
The car turning right (Car A) must give way to the car going straight ahead (Car B) Two cars are travelling in opposite directions. The car turning right (Car A) must give way to the car turning left (Car B)
Experiencing anxiety when making left-hand turns is often an issue for those struggling with Vehophobia.