Please note, we are reworking this tutorial. Be patient.  

Low-Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE 

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - -

ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

   Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

us

  NEXT

                                                            A.7   Two STEERING Methods

Looking at the steering wheel as a clock face, the hands rest on the steering wheel between the 9/10 o’clock and 2 o’clock /quarter to three positions. It may vary according to the location of indicators and windscreen wiper switches. There should be a slight bend in the elbow, when the palm of the hand reaches the top of the steering wheel. Do not hold the wheel tightly, rather be relaxed. A light grip on the steering wheel lets you feel the road better.

 

1. The pull-push method. 

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

 For turning left:

The left hand pulls the wheel down, whilst during the same movement, the right hand moves down ready to take over. The right hand pushes the wheel up, as the left hand moves up etc.
For a right-hand turn it is vice-versa, the right hands pulls down, as the left moves down, ready to push up.

 

 

Even on a slight bend, this method works very well. Just move the steering wheel as required. Both hands are always at the same height, making it very neat and tidy. The body stays balanced. 

When a sharp turn is required, both hands must move briskly from the top (12 o’clock ) to the bottom of the wheel (6 o’clock).

2. The hand-over-hand method.

Steering in this fashion crosses hands on top of the steering wheel. It is often used during manoeuvres, e.g. three-point-turns, because a quicker movement from lock-to- lock (left to right extreme), can be achieved. 

Caution!

Loose clothing or jewellery may get in the way using this method of steering. The body may become unbalanced, as the hands cross over from one side of the wheel to the other. Many driving instructors discourage students to use of this steering method.

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 (drunk or drugs?) 

 

Road Safety Experts prefer the pull-push method. However, if a new driver finds it easier to cross hands and it brings results, why change it?

In the debate about which method of steering is best, it is often forgotten that a driver with long arms and/or short legs finds it hard to pull-push the steering wheel, as the elbow space is limited. Likewise a person with short arms may opt for the pull-push method naturally. Their arm may not be long enough to reach over the top of the steering wheel.

Many steering problems are caused not so much by incorrect handling of the steering wheel, but by not looking far enough away from the vehicle where it is meant to go. (This fault is covered in detail in Section 1.12 Observation).

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Revised 2010

 Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!

T>    A

 The steering wheel must always be held tightly.    F>   D
T>    R The best position for the hands is 10 o'clock - 2' o'clock position.   F>   V 
T>    U Using the pull-push method is best for steering.   F>   E
T>    G Pull-push steering avoids crossing hands.     F>   H
T>    I Steering with one hand is best on long journeys.   F>   S

MENU                    EMAIL US                HOME             NEXT