Using Efficient Steering Techniques
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Crash statistics indicate that driver errors involving steering techniques are the main causes of crashes
where drivers run off the road. Methods used to control steering input for drivers are often outdated and
ineffective for avoiding crashes. Modern technology is always changing the demands of driver setting
techniques.
The Steering Wheel:
The steering wheel and associated mechanisms has changed dramatically over the years.
The size, type of input needed, responsiveness of steering in regarding to directional change, changes
in steering ratios and effort needed to turn the wheel have all changed.
Thus, recommendations relative to hand position on the steering wheel have become more flexible
due to these changes.
In order to maximize vehicle control, efficient steering involves balancing the steering wheel to avoid
sudden movements and minimize steering wheel reversals.
Hand Position
Both hands should be placed outside of the steering wheel on opposite
sides.
Your grip should be firm, yet gentle.
Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands and keep your
thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel.
Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of its rim.
Types of Steering Methods:
There are three methods of steering which can be used when turning and when per-
formed properly, can provide smooth, continuous steering control.
Hand-to-Hand Steering: (commonly called push/pull steering)
When using this method, your left hand grasps the wheel between 7 and 8 o’clock,
and your right hand between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Depending on the direction you turn, your right or left hand pushes the wheel up
and the opposite hand slides up, grasps the wheel and pulls down to turn.
While the pulling hand moves down, the hand that initially pushed up slides back
toward its original position to make adjustments as needed.
The driver should use the area on the wheel between 11 and 8 o’clock with the left
hand and the area on the wheel between 1 and 8 o’clock with the right hand re-
gardless of the direction of the turn.
Simply reverse the process to bring the vehicle back to the desired path.
Since your hands never cross over the steering wheel, there is less chance of an
injury to the face, hands or arms induced by your hands or arms in the event of a
frontal crash due to an air bag.
This is the preferred method of steering. Two and 10 o’clock is not recommended
because it can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped
with air bags.
