How far should you position your hands on the steering wheel?

Positioning your hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions on the steering wheel is the recommended practice for effective vehicle control and safety. This hand placement provides optimal leverage and allows for better handling of the vehicle, particularly during emergency maneuvers. Additionally, having your hands here minimizes the risk of injury from airbag deployment in the event of a collision, as your arms are positioned outside the trajectory of the airbag. This position also increases comfort and reduces fatigue during extended driving periods, enabling you to maintain better control and remain alert while driving.

While other hand positions, such as at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, have been traditional recommendations, they are less favored in modern driving practices. The positions at 8 and 4 and 12 and 6 might not provide the same level of control and responsiveness that is optimal when driving. Thus, the 9 and 3 o'clock hand placement is the ideal choice for safety and effective vehicle operation.