Hollywood movies are full of unrealistic car driving. Naturally, because the technique of driving a car safely does not look dramatic. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel and keeping your eyes on the front are two important components for safe driving.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Holding the Steering Wheel Correctly
Step 1. Grasp the steering wheel with both your hands
Be prepared for various emergencies. Maintain control of the car at all times. If your car uses a manual transmission, change gears when necessary, but don't hold the gear stick for too long. Change gears, then immediately return the position of the hands on the steering wheel.
- You'll also need to use one hand to turn on the windshield wipers, headlights, and turn signal lights. The controllers for these features are usually located near the steering wheel so you don't drive with one hand for too long.
- The above rules do not apply when you are reversing the car.
Step 2. Hold the steering wheel firmly
Resist the urge to loosen the grip on the steering wheel, but don't hold it too tightly as this can tire your hands quickly and interfere with the warning signals sent through the steering wheel.
“Feeling” the movement of the car through the steering wheel is also an important reason to drive with both hands
Step 3. Hold the steering wheel at the "10 and 2" or "9 and 3" o'clock position
Think of the steering wheel as an analog clock where the top shows 12 o'clock exactly. Use your left hand to hold the steering wheel at the 9 or 10 o'clock position and your right hand at the 3 or 2 o'clock position.
- Holding the steering wheel in the 10 and 2 o'clock positions is more suitable to be practiced on old cars or cars that have a large steering wheel without a power steering feature.
- Holding the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions has become a common habit for new car drivers who are smaller in size, have power steering features, and air bags.
Step 4. Pay attention to the position of your thumb
When driving on paved roads, keep your thumbs on the steering wheel. If you are moving to an off road track, raise your thumb. Place them on the edge of the steering wheel as if you were giving a compliment.
- Putting your thumb under the steering wheel while driving on off road roads can injure it. The car's wheels could hit something hard to jolt the steering wheel that you are holding.
- If you're driving on a paved road with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock, position your thumbs in line with the part of the steering wheel that meets the fingers.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Directions
Step 1. Start with the “push and pull” technique
Push the steering wheel in the desired direction (if you want to turn left, push with your left hand, and vice versa). While pressing the steering wheel down, relax your other hand. Move your hands in line with the steering wheel until the hand you're pulling is above your crotch. When they are level, relax the hand and let your other hand take over. Push the steering wheel up until the car finishes turning.
- When learning to drive for the first time, use this technique to make turns as it is very easy to master.
- Use this technique when driving on off-road trails or in areas filled with sharp turns and heavy traffic. This method can make it easier for your hands to access various features in the car such as the gear stick and turn signal lights.
- Also use this technique when driving a car with a large steering wheel or a car without a power steering.
- “Push and pull” is also known as the shuffle technique.
Step 2. Continue with learning the steering rotation technique
Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want. Keep your hands on 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 as you do this. If you need to turn the steering wheel more than 90 degrees, relax the hand that is directly above your crotch and hold the position. Keep turning the steering wheel with the hand on top until it meets the hand on the bottom. Continue by turning the hand that is below to the top of the steering wheel. Keep turning the car steering wheel down until the car finishes turning.
- Use this technique to make slight turns, for example when changing lanes.
- Use this technique when driving on expressways or other open roads at high speed.
- Steering rotation technique is also known as fixed-input driving technique.
Step 3. Master how to drive backwards
Check all rearview mirrors to make sure there are no people or obstructions in the back of the car. Place one arm on top of the passenger seat. Rotate your upper body 90 degrees to get a better view of the back of the car. Hold the steering wheel at 12 o'clock with your other hand. To reverse the car to the right, turn the steering wheel to the right, and vice versa.
- Keep in mind that you have limited vision of the side of the wheel while in this position.
- If possible, allow the car to reverse itself due to its momentum. If the car needs gas, press the gas pedal slowly. Don't back off too fast.
- Don't just rely on the mirrors and rear camera to steer backwards.
Method 3 of 3: Ensuring Safety While Driving
Step 1. Adjust the position of the seat and steering wheel correctly
Adjust the height and distance so you can sit comfortably. Do not position the seat so far that you have to lean forward to grip the steering wheel. Don't overload your body as this can make you tired and irritated so your hand response will slow down.
The position of your seat can affect the most comfortable grip on the steering wheel: positions 9 and 3 or 10 and 2. For example, tall people may feel more comfortable with hands in positions 10 and 2 because of limited seat and steering position adjustments
Step 2. Keep your eyes as far forward as possible
Focus your gaze forward as far as possible. Pay attention to any turns, red flags, or things where you need to change lanes. Be prepared to make sudden turns. Give yourself as much time as possible to change direction of vehicles.
- If you go through a sharp turn that reduces your visibility significantly, focus on the farthest point you can see.
- Trust in edge-to-eye vision that makes you need to change lanes suddenly to avoid something.
Step 3. Calculate the speed of your car while driving
Be aware that changing direction when driving at low speeds requires more effort to turn the wheel. Be prepared to turn the steering wheel at sharper angles when driving slowly, such as in parking lots, residential areas, or small streets. Instead, turn slowly when driving at high speed. Get ready to feel the vehicle turning sharper even if the steering wheel is moved only slightly when driving fast on major roads such as highways.
Step 4. Do not turn the steering wheel too often when the vehicle is not moving (dry steering)
Turning the steering wheel when the car is stationary can damage the tires and power steering features. Only do things when absolutely necessary, such as when you are parallel parking or turning like a K. If not, avoid this.
Step 5. Practice safe driving with one hand
Maintain maximum control of the vehicle while you use other functions of the car. Use your nearest hand to operate these function panels while driving, such as turn signals or gear sticks. Keep your other hand on the steering wheel as you do this. Do not try to remove the steering wheel to adjust its position.
Step 6. Do not smoke, eat, operate mobile phones to send messages and make calls, or set up vehicle entertainment devices while driving
Some of these activities are prohibited in some countries and can result in a fine and a driving ban.
Warning
- Do not hold the steering wheel under the frame with your palms facing you. This creates an awkward sensation of moving your hands and reduces your ability to control the car.
- Do not take your hands off the steering wheel to allow it to roll back to its original position after turning. You may lose control for a few seconds and the steering wheel may be misaligned if the settings are not precise.
