In order to respond in time to a critical road situation, it is important to know how to properly hold the steering wheel. In case of a drift or a sudden threat, the score goes for a split second. The driver’s reaction is dulled under the influence of the microclimate in the cabin and comfortable sitting. The connection with reality is lost, what is happening around is perceived remotely.
Why comply with posture requirements?
How to properly hold the steering wheel, show even when learning in driving schools. The importance of hand positioning is proven by practical examples. Researchers have calculated the optimal position of the driver, in which vigilance is not lost. Suddenly punctured front wheel will not be a surprise, control will not be lost due to timely adjustments.
How to properly hold the steering wheel is the first rule with which practical driving instruction begins. In addition to safety, a comfortable posture helps not to lose vigilance, normal blood circulation is observed. Most accidents occur due to lack of time to identify risks, and the path of movement of the legs and arms to the pedal and steering wheel is added to this.
Amateur erroneous options
How to hold the steering wheel, not all beginners know. Even experienced drivers try to choose the most relaxed position, in which the control is almost lying down. It will be difficult to get up and start to slow down from such a pose. And to carry out a sharp maneuver when you need to turn the steering wheel at least 360 degrees, it is almost impossible.
Often people control with one hand or try to hold the steering wheel with their finger. However, when hitting an obstacle (curb, pit, rut), the car can “throw” strongly to the side. This situation leads to grave consequences when people are on the way.
Positioning the brush inside the rim between the spokes of the steering wheel is strictly not recommended. In an emergency, there is intense rotation that can break a hand. Only knowing how to properly hold the steering wheel while driving, you can ensure the safety of yourself, passengers and others.
Normal posture
When discussing the topic "How to keep your hands on the steering wheel" often questions arise. After all, with a proper arrangement, the armrest becomes unnecessary. However, despite the apparent shortcomings of this arrangement, experienced riders have time to drastically change the path of the car racing at a speed of 200 km / h.
Professionals try to stay on both sides of the steering wheel with both hands, palms resting on top. The brushes are offset slightly towards the top of the circle. This posture guarantees maximum response in an emergency, and in this case, you will need a minimum of movements when turning.
How to properly hold the steering wheel of a car, it is more important to know if it is supposed to drive a car without a power amplifier of the applied force. There, time is lost to overcome the friction of the wheels on the asphalt. With a hydraulic or electric drive, you can often miss the feeling of the car's position on the road. Also taken into account:
- movement speed;
- turning moment;
- road surface quality;
- transport weight (a loaded car is driven heavier);
- season.
Body position in motion
A long ride is tiring, but high speed on the track requires special concentration. The price of the slightest mistake is crippled fate and life of people. Often drivers put one brush on the base of the rim, but this does not provide insurance against a puncture.
When your hands are at the base or in the middle, it is quite difficult to enter a sharp turn. The situation is complicated by irregularities on the road or when the wheel hits the track. When held with one brush, a similar maneuver also becomes unsafe.
If the seatback is also folded to the limit, it will take the driver a few seconds to regain control and take the desired position. And at such moments at a speed of 90 km / h, everything happens instantly. The delay in the reaction is lengthened by the effects of yesterday's alcohol fumes or poor health.
Body position at the time of maneuver
How to keep the steering wheel while turning? It is especially important to deal with this issue in the winter, when a car with asphalt pavement falls on an icy area. To regain control, drivers make several full revolutions per second. If the hands are in any position other than the established one, there will be a risk of uncontrolled skid formation.
U-turn maneuvers are easier with hands on both sides of the circle. The steering wheel strives to slip out and level the wheels. Often the brushes are one above the other, so the driver prepares for the upcoming action.
When moving to the left, the corresponding hand is located slightly higher than the other. She first begins to exert pressure on the steering wheel rim. The right one remains clamped at the moment of moving the brush to increase the radius of rotation. The driver manages to prepare for a change in the trajectory of movement, which reduces the time to complete the maneuver and allows you to better assess the traffic situation.
Brush layout options
Convenience for hands is not the main goal on the trip. Often the hands are held diagonally - this leads to unforeseen vibrations of the car with a sharp overtaking or getting the wheel in the track. This is due to the fact that the driver at this moment is trying to touch his fingers along the circumference. He also needs to keep the movement straight, and the car involuntarily shifts towards the dimples.
In cars with a manual gearbox, the left hand always locks the steering wheel. If it is at the bottom or top of the rim, then at the moment of switching the speed lever a person may lose the feeling of connection with the road. Many do not pay attention to such details, but in a cramped stream you can "get used" to the neighboring car.
Experienced drivers violate the established rules, but statistics show: in most major accidents, people with long driving experience are to blame. It is good skills that drive a person to experiment. Balancing on the verge of skidding, the scorcher tries to test his skills.
Emergency situation
How to keep the steering wheel while driving, some beginners understand without any hints, trying to grab the rim stronger. Being alert while driving is very useful: an unforeseen situation can occur at any time. This may be a pedestrian who suddenly jumped out in front of the hood, or a scorcher who decided to drive into a red light.
A significant risk appears with a sideways parallel impact, when the car may be in the oncoming lane. Incorrectly placed hands will not allow to contain a sudden onslaught. If you do not have time to grab the wheel, the situation will get out of control, and this threatens with a head-on collision. Such an accident is the most dangerous of all accidents.
The steering wheel is not designed to control the car with one hand. Despite the fact that you have to constantly be distracted, you need to try to return the brush to the set location. So it’s more convenient to work with wipers, turn signals, switch the high and low beam at night. If necessary, it is safe to manipulate the radio or air conditioner.
Recommendations
It’s better to focus on professionals: they know how to properly hold the steering wheel. Photos and videos of car racers prove that often fractions of a second decide the fate of the car when skidding, overcoming bumps or obstacles along the way.
Racers hold the steering wheel very tightly. With normal driving, there is no need to cling to it, just fix the brush around the rim. A little relaxation should be present, otherwise the driver will quickly get tired. The pressure is increased only when deviating from the trajectory, turning and other maneuvers.
Drivers get used to driving a car according to their nature. Psychologists have established that there is a connection between the position of the hands and the internal state of the person. You can get used to the correct position faster in a calm state, without trying to stand out, showing others the experience gained. It is not recommended to deprive yourself of the opportunity to prevent an accident, because people's life depends on it.