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 7. STEERING - Two  Methods

 

A relaxed grip on the steering wheel at 10 to 2 (clock-face position) is safest for controlling a motor car. This may vary according to the location of indicators and windscreen wiper switches and the driver's physique. To check for correct positioning place the palm of the hand on the top of the steering wheel. There should be a slight bend in the elbow. Do not hold the wheel tightly, but rather with feeling.

 

Steering is done by either of two methods: 

1. Pull-push: 

Both hands move in an up and down motion on the sides of the steering wheel. The right hand handles on the right half, the other the left.

Even on a slight bend, this method works very well. Just move the steering wheel as required. 

For maneuvers or tight turns, both hands move briskly up/down changing over at the top (12 o’clock ) (6 o’clock).

2. Hand-over-hand:

Steering in this fashion crosses hands on top of the wheel. This is a quicker way to turn the steering lock-to-lock (maximum right/left), especially during manoeuvres (3 Pt- Turns) etc. 

Caution! Loose clothing or jewelry may get in the way using this method. 

The body may become unbalanced as the hands cross over from one side of the wheel to the other.

 

The most common steering faults are:

1. Letting the wheel spin back by itself.

2. Placing hands inside the steering wheel.

3. Crossing hands under the wheel.

4. Steering with one hand, while the other is busy...?

  

 

Either method of steering is acceptable. Drivers with long arms and/or short legs may find it hard to use the pull-push method, because elbow space is limited.

Likewise a person with short arms and/or long legs may opt for the pull-push method naturally. Experts prefer pull-push; safety is paramount in either option.

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer 2001 - Learner Driver Hub 2020.