The position of the hands on the steering wheel. Steering wheel control skills as a safe driving option

• One of common mistakes is too slow passage of sharp or smooth turns. IN modern machines steering able to clearly direct the car into a turn, and the friction is evenly distributed over the front wheels. On wet road this can happen with a slight delay, so it is worth taking this time into account and not turning the steering wheel too much.
• Some drivers keep the steering wheel in the 10:2 position. This position relieves tension from the shoulders, but it has a number of disadvantages:
  • This position is not conducive to handling at any speed. In addition, the hands will tend to slide even higher, and this can lead to injury if the airbag deploys. In addition, the hands from this position often go into a cross position, and this is the most undesirable position of the hands on the steering wheel. The wrists are in a vulnerable position due to the fact that they are constantly moving. If your wrists are shaking or moving at the 9:15 position, it means that you have not gripped the steering wheel correctly (that is, you did not wrap your palm around back steering wheel).
  • The steering wheel is not designed for this position of the hands. Many cars have small knobs on the inside of the handlebars, but you don't need to grab them - they're made to hold your hands in a 9:3 position.
  • The 10:2 position is not always convenient. It puts additional stress on the spine. In addition, when turning, this position limits the rotation of the steering wheel, which will require you to move your hands. If you turn with both hands, they will not work symmetrically and will not be able to duplicate each other's movements. Both hands seem to crash into the turn, the body loses balance, the wrists twist, the arms cross, and the entire load is placed on the muscles of the shoulders, which leads to muscle pain and loss of control over the road. In addition, you will no longer understand how far the front wheels are turned. You will not be able to securely hold the steering wheel, which may cause it to slip out of your hands, and it will be more difficult to return to the original position of the steering wheel. At the 9:15 position, you can hold the steering wheel even after turning thanks to the lugs that lock your fingers. You will also have the opportunity to stretch your stiff fingers without fear of creating an emergency.
  • This situation impairs maneuverability. In the 10:2 position, you need to turn the handlebars 45 degrees, and in the 9:15 position, only 40 degrees. This is a small difference, but when turning in the 10:2 position, the wrist twists, which negatively affects the coordination of the hands, shoulders and balance of the whole body . The maximum angle of rotation in this position is 180 degrees. In the 9:15 position, even if the arms are crossed, the body will remain in a comfortable position, and when turning, you will be able to firmly hold the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel more (up to 270 degrees). This type of steering is ideal for emergencies with the need to abruptly avoid a collision.
  • The 10:2 position is not safe. Hands will gradually slide up, and this will negatively affect the manner of control. You will no longer understand how much the front wheels are turned, and when the airbag is deployed, your hands can suffer greatly. In the event of an accident, the arms will fly forward at a speed of at least 45 kilometers per hour, and the airbag will deploy at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour. This can lead to broken arms and facial injuries, since the pillow will throw the hands exactly in the face. In addition, with this position of the hands, the thumbs will not be fixed by the protrusions on the steering wheel. If the arms do not slip higher than 10:2, the risk of breaking the thumbs will be minimal, but remember that lowering the arms lower does not improve the position, as it still does not relieve tension from the shoulders. For this reason, it is best to keep your hands in the 9:15 position.
  • The 10:2 position restricts arm movement. It will become more difficult for you to reach the dipped and high beam and klaxon. Even if some control buttons are not on the steering wheel (for example, switching the air conditioner, radio, etc.), they will still be located at a greater distance from the hands compared to the 9:15 position. In the 9:15 position, you can easily stretch your stiff fingers without letting go of the steering wheel, and turn on the turn signals even when you turn the steering wheel. In some cars, the hands in the 10:2 position will cover part of the dashboard.
  • Drivers of older cars and SUVs have previously been advised to keep their arms high (up to 11:1) to reduce the risk of skidding when cornering. However, in such machines, even at a 10:2 position, the machine may roll over. IN modern cars the 9:15 position will put you in full control of the machine.
  • The 10:2 position is ineffective. It is a compromise between handling and comfort. It is assumed that this position provides comfort when driving on a straight road, but this is not the case. The position of the hands affects not only handling - it affects the ease of access to the levers and control buttons and safety in general. Therefore, the 10:2 position is not recommended even on highways and when driving in traffic jams. You can move your hands to this position for a short period of time on the track to relieve tension from the muscles.
• It is not recommended to cross and rearrange your hands when turning. A lot of movement negatively affects the smoothness of the turn.
• The rearrangement of hands is justified only when passing sharp turns. In other cases, it is better to just turn the steering wheel smoothly - this way you will understand how much the wheels are turned, and it will be much easier to return the car to its original position. In addition, turning without changing hands will take less time, and if necessary, you can even turn while holding the steering wheel with one hand.
  • Keep your hands in the 9:15 position while turning quickly. This will allow you to securely hold the steering wheel and better feel the speed; in addition, it will be easier for you to reach the turn signals, and the whole turn as a whole will be safer. You'll know where the wheels are pointing, and since you'll have to turn more than 30 degrees, you'll have more steering capability, which is especially helpful when driving around potholes.
• If you need to avoid a collision, keep your hands in the 9:15 position. Turn the steering wheel to the right side until the forearms intersect (190 degrees), then reverse side by the same number of degrees, and then to the original position. If you do all this quickly and without pressing the pedals (after slowing down with the brake), you will find yourself in the next lane.
  • With this maneuver, the arms will cross twice. The risk of airbag deployment will be minimal, but this risk will have to be taken in any case if the driver wants to avoid a collision. There are many risks associated with driving, and if you want to avoid them all, it's best to just not drive. No one is immune from accidents in which airbags deploy. In addition, there may be passengers in the car, and other participants on the road. traffic so you need to be extremely careful while driving.
• Some drivers who like fast driving, push down on the steering wheel, arguing that this allows them to better secure their wrists, making turns smoother. However, this only works if you do not need to return the steering wheel to its original position from a position where the hand is on top of the steering wheel. This movement engages the more sensitive muscles in the arms and hands, allowing you to turn more smoothly and with less effort, while keeping your back muscles ready to perform any other maneuver at a moment's notice.
• Some drivers are so afraid of breaking their hands from airbag deployment that they keep their hands in the 8:4 position, but this is the worst of all possible options.
  • This position does not allow control of the machine and limits the ability to turn. The ability to control the behavior of the machine is the first condition for preventing collision and injury to both the driver and passengers and other road users.
  • This position is not safe. The chances of breaking fingers in this position are higher. In addition, the arms will cross more often, and since they will cross near the base of the steering wheel, fractures when the airbag is deployed are inevitable.
  • This is an unfortunate driving technique. Driving is associated with increased risk, so it is better not to drive at all than to drive without being able to control the situation. You can't be 100 percent sure of yourself and the car even (and especially) with your hands in the 8:4 position. In addition, there may be passengers in the car, and there are always other road users whose safety depends on your driving style. The ability to drive properly will protect you from collisions that could trigger airbags and other accidents where airbag injuries are the least of a problem.
  • The steering wheel is not designed for this position of the hands. Many cars have 4 knobs on the steering wheel, and some mistake them for special handles for the 8:4 position. But if you follow this logic, then you can decide that the steering wheel is completely made so that it can be rotated with one hand, holding the "handle" at the bottom, and this worst way steering wheel controls. More importantly, it is impossible to grasp these ledges as handles, since in this way you will need to hold on to the outer, and not to inside steering wheel. This way of driving can only contribute to the fracture of the fingers. In some cars (for example, in the Chevrolet Cavalier) there are only two protrusions, and they are located at the bottom. Remember that only in the 9:15 position will your fingers be protected.
  • This hand position promotes a relaxed driving style, which is not The best way machine control. In theory, a low grip on the steering wheel should allow you to turn the steering wheel at a greater degree, but this position of the hands will lead to a bend in the wrists, which will prevent you from turning smoothly.
  • It is not comfortable. Arms dangle, wrists flex, and driving becomes too lazy. From this position it is more convenient to get to the gear lever, but the turn signals will be farther. Some cars have buttons on the steering wheel that are more comfortable to press from the 8:4 position, but they are positioned so that the driver does not accidentally press them with his thumbs when his hands are in the 9:15 position.
• If your hands are positioned correctly, but they still slide off the steering wheel, buy special gloves for driving. Such gloves are made of thin and delicate leather, which allows hands to catch on the steering wheel.

Learning how to properly hold and turn the steering wheel of a car is an important problem for a novice driver. By learning this procedure, the car owner will be able to prevent many mistakes that usually lead to traffic accidents, the number of which is constantly increasing in 2017.

This skill should not be neglected, the wrong position of the driver's hands can contribute to making an erroneous maneuver. Experts note that every driver drives a car in his own way: some take the steering wheel with both hands at once, and many drive on the road with one hand. There is also a category of drivers who control the steering wheel with their fingers.

But many people ask, how to properly rotate the steering wheel so as not to get into an unpleasant situation? The road is a place of high danger, while driving along it one should not take lightly traffic situation. Therefore, those who do not know how to drive a car correctly, and especially to control the steering wheel, need to learn all the safe techniques. This skill in practice is important, above all. Such techniques can be learned while driving a car, as well as on an electronic simulator while at home.

How to hold the steering wheel

If you are driving on a straight road, it is better to keep your hands in the dial position 9-15. To do this, you need to put your left hand on 9, and your right hand on 15. Hold the steering wheel with both hands. In this way, you can control the movement of the car, create easy control And safe driving. It will be more convenient to use the switches on the steering wheel and turn levers.

If your car is moving on an asphalt surface, then your thumbs should be placed above the partitions, and when driving on dirt road- on the partition itself. The steering wheel must be held firmly to ensure good control movement. But too much to cling to steering wheel no need, even during tight turns. It must be held confidently, and not overdo it, otherwise the hands will quickly get tired.

Hand movements can be divided into the following types:

• labor movements(start from the moment you grab the steering wheel, their end is the moment you release the steering wheel).
• idle movements(they occur during the period when the steering wheel is released, and then until you take it again).

It should be remembered that when picking up the steering wheel, as well as when releasing it, it should not stop.

Novice driver mistakes

The first lessons of practice are the most important, but many beginners make many serious mistakes due to excitement. The first mistake is to return the steering wheel to its original position after making a turn, despite the design of the steering mechanism, which allows you to automatically return the steering wheel to the position of driving the car in a straight line. There is no need to turn the steering wheel by hand. While driving, an important task is not to take unnecessary actions in order to navigate the traffic situation in time.

Common rookie mistakes are:

1. Jerking the steering wheel. Hands should be relaxed, and the grip soft - the main points that must not be forgotten when managing vehicle. Do not apply much force to the steering wheel when making a turn. In this case, you can sharply enter the trajectory of the turn, but after a short time of such turns, the car will have to be sent for repair, tires and suspension will be damaged. When the wheels slip, it will be impossible to drive the car, so you can not be too zealous when turning the steering wheel, and the car will serve you for a long time, and no repairs will be needed.
2. The driver "hung" on the steering wheel. When driving a car, only hand force should be applied to the steering wheel. Muscles not working this moment should be relaxed. To fulfill these conditions, it is necessary to use a special support designed to rest the left leg, lean more closely against the back, and be fastened with a belt. With the help of such rules, you will merge as much as possible with the car as one.
3. Steering wheel stranglehold. To make a turn on the road, you need to apply some force to the steering wheel, but do not take it with a stranglehold. You should learn to quickly relax your hands. At constant voltage the car will react badly, and you will often get tired while driving.

Steering technology

When you drive a car, you often have to make maneuvers. Such maneuvers can be performed in different ways, they depend on the angle of rotation. When landing behind the wheel, after starting the engine, it is necessary to clasp the steering wheel with your palms, do not squeeze it with great effort. The left hand should be at 9 o'clock when looking at the clock, and the right hand at 3 o'clock. Elbows should be slightly bent. This position allows you to quickly respond in case of accidents.

If you need to turn the car 45 degrees, then you do not need to change the position of the hands on the steering wheel. This is the most simple technique movement. It is necessary to perform the following actions: put your hands on the steering wheel in a position as described above. When changing lanes or overtaking, the steering wheel must be turned in the appropriate direction. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel.

After making the turn, return to the starting position and do not touch the steering wheel. This method is suitable because you do not need to return the wheels to a straight position yourself, everything will happen automatically. But this method cannot be used if you want to make a U-turn or turn with a significant turning radius. You can optionally straighten your arms when they are in the starting position.

If the turn is sharp, then the rudder interception method is used. Let's figure out how to properly intercept the steering wheel:

1. Set your hands to the starting position.
2. With both hands, slowly turn the handlebar rim to the left until the left hand touches the corresponding side.
3. At this moment, you need to remove your left hand from the steering wheel, and turn with your right.
4. Then quickly move your left hand along the top edge of your right hand and grab the steering wheel again.
5. When it becomes uncomfortable to turn the steering wheel with your right hand, you need to move it to the top of the steering wheel.
6. Then they work in the following order: continue to turn the steering wheel, intercepting it.
7. After returning the vehicle to the correct trajectory, straighten the vehicle immediately. Now you need to rotate the steering wheel to the right using the same method.

To turn right, it is not necessary to turn the steering wheel with both hands. It is advisable to use only the left hand.

1. Do not touch the steering wheel with your right hand.
2. Place your left hand above the center of the handlebar rim, gently squeezing it, and gradually turn to the right.
3. When the hand is not able to turn, then it is necessary to squeeze the steering wheel with a brush.
4. Next, you need to straighten the brush and turn your fingers 180 degrees. At the same time, put your hand on the steering wheel and continue to turn it. The task is to return the hand to its original position.

One hand control

Usually when driving it happens when one hand is busy. In such cases, it is useful to be able to steer with one hand. To learn this, you need to squeeze the top of the steering wheel rim with your left hand and control it. Let's take an example: the right hand is busy. When it is released, you need to put it back on the steering wheel. Procedures with an occupied hand must be performed promptly in order to return it to its place as soon as possible.

In this case, training is an important factor. If you train purposefully, you can learn to drive faster. This is carried out on a free area, or on a deserted road, where you can try braking, accelerating and turning.

1. First you need to conduct experiments. You can start with low speed, and accelerate slowly. The speed can be different, while it is possible to compare what force must be applied to control the car when high speed, and which one for small.
2. Try to turn the steering wheel, press the brakes all at the same time. See how the car reacts to all manipulations.
3. Relax your hands, do not hang on the steering wheel, keep your body in the right position, and make sure that the weight of the body does not interfere with movement.
4. enjoy different ways controls, combine them with each other.
5. If you want to rebuild, you need to find out exactly how the vehicle will behave on your manipulations. Try to rebuild slowly first, then quickly.
6. At second gear, try to turn while pressing on the gas pedal, and then coasting, releasing the gas. In this position, you need to watch how efficiently the car makes a turn.

​

For getting driving license You must successfully pass the theory and practice of driving a car. At practical exams, they usually pass the well-known “snake” exercise. It is performed on a platform in the shape of a rectangle, consisting of four identical sections in area. The length of these sections is 1.5 times the length of the car, and the width is determined by the length of the car. Naturally, it is advisable to practice somewhere before passing the exam of such an exercise.

On the site, it is necessary to install racks from improvised means - bags, water bottles, canisters, etc. In total, six racks are needed: at the start, finish, intermediate - four. Foreign vehicles there should not be on the site, so that there is freedom to perform maneuvers in the exercise.

The meaning of the exercise is to travel this distance along a trajectory similar to a snake. In this case, you can not touch the racks. First you need to drive up to the "start". Gradually start driving in a straight line. When the car starts moving, you need to fully depress the clutch pedal, the car will roll by inertia.

When the first mark as a rack reaches the middle of the front door of the car, then you need to turn the steering wheel to the left, while only one turn is made. The first rack is passed at an angle of 45 degrees.

It is necessary to control the second rack. When it appears on the right side, then align the wheels by turning the steering wheel to the right one full turn. Drive in a straight line, after reaching the second pillar of the middle of the right front door, two full turns of the steering wheel to the right are made. After that, you need to lightly press the gas pedal, release the clutch pedal a little, and move the car forward a little.

After that, you need to press the clutch completely. Next, control the third rack. As it approaches and passes its left front fender, align the wheels by rotating the handlebar two turns. Then similar actions are carried out. Some beginners have problems getting to the finish line. This is done in this way.

When the car reaches the 5th pillar and approaches the middle of the left front door, the wheels should be set for straight movement, it is necessary to rotate the steering wheel a full turn in left side. Look ahead, when the front of the car is directed to the stop mark, you need to align the wheels with one turn of the steering wheel, turning it in right side. Then you should get closer to the finish line. For reference, use the 6th rack. Turn off the speed and put the car on the handbrake. On this exercise "snake" can be considered complete.

The main problem with this exercise is touching the racks. After that, they fall, and you are awarded penalty points. To prevent such facts, you need to drive smoothly, the speed of movement should not change, you should not press on any pedals. The main task is that you need to turn the steering wheel in time.

Another mistake when performing a "snake" is: when driving slowly, a novice driver also slowly turns the steering wheel, which, of course, is a mistake. You need to turn the steering wheel quickly, but the speed of the car should be small. achieve proper management Every driver should drive. Only a quick reaction on the road, without fuss and panic will ensure you keep the car intact.

Reverse steering

Our roads have many shortcomings, but in winter more ice and snow are added, which often leads to the vehicle skidding. The car may skid due to the careless movement of the driver on slippery road. In such situations, vehicles with rear wheel drive, but this unpleasant moment can also occur in a car with front-wheel drive.

If a skid occurs, then you need to remain calm and not panic. Further, in order to get the car out of this state, you need to make some automatic actions, which must be developed by many years of driving.

Which way to turn the steering wheel when skidding front wheel drive car? The steering wheel must be rotated in the direction of skidding and add gas. An important factor is that the driver can feel the moment of skidding. The main thing is the work of the steering wheel. In this case, you can not shift gears and brake. It is forbidden to use hand brake, this enhances the skid. The car will turn around and an accident may occur.

Where to turn the steering wheel during a skid in a rear-wheel drive car? In this case, the steering wheel is also rotated in the direction of skidding, the gas is released. It is also forbidden to press the clutch, change gears and use the brakes.

For all-wheel drive vehicle it is more difficult to get out of a skid. Most often, you just have to wait for the car to stop by itself. You can only turn the steering wheel slightly in the direction of skidding and not add gas.

Parallel parking

Proper parking by car in the conditions of the city is important point. On training circuit it is impossible to accurately repeat all the moments that actually occur. It is better to try to find a place for the car to park in front.

Parallel parking works like this:

1. Line up with a car located nearby, stand parallel, maintaining a distance of 1 meter.
2. Determine where to turn safely.
3. Get moving in reverse until the mental mark reaches the edge of the car on the right.
4. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, drive reverse speed until the right edge of the vehicle is visible, stop.
5. Turn the steering wheel to its original position and drive further back until you can see the car in front.
6. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, back up until the car is parallel to the curb.
7. Level the machine and place it so that it is at an equal distance from other machines.

This is, of course, safety. The way the driver sits in the seat and controls the steering wheel determines the speed of reaction to changes in traffic conditions and, accordingly, the safety of both the driver and other road users. Therefore, it is very important to know how to hold the steering wheel correctly while driving, and constantly put these skills into practice.

In this article, you will find comprehensive information on how to sit behind the wheel of a car and handle the steering wheel in order to steer the car efficiently without exerting excessive force. You may be somewhat disappointed to learn that up to this point you have been in the wrong position in a car seat or your hands on the steering wheel were not held properly. But we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the information below - so you can improve your driving skills, even if you are an experienced car enthusiast.

How to hold the steering wheel

Proper grip of the steering wheel as one of the basics safe driving every future driver. Despite all the knowledge gained, motorists, and even professionals, develop their own habits over time, which form an individual, most comfortable style. But this does not mean at all that some kind of own style of gripping the steering wheel will ensure free and timely maneuvering while driving.

The driver's ability to intercept the steering wheel in emergency and take the car to optimal trajectory, . So, how will it be more correct to hold the steering wheel while driving? In fact, there are two main handlebar grips:

• closed (or full) - the driver completely covers the steering wheel with his fingers, and the steering wheel itself passes through the palm of your hand;
• open (or incomplete) - with this grip, the driver's thumb is located inside the steering wheel rim, while the steering wheel passes through the phalanxes of four fingers.

According to experienced instructors, who daily explain to their students how to properly hold the steering wheel while driving, it is the closed grip that is most preferred. Why? The thing is that while driving a car with such a grip, you are more likely to hold the steering wheel in your hands if the wheel suddenly hits an obstacle (a stone or a hillock).

Correct hand position on the steering wheel

In the process of training future drivers, for better perception, instructors illustrate the steering wheel in the form of a clock face, and the numbers are called sectors. Many are even very experienced car enthusiasts use a variety of ways to position the hands on the steering wheel, but only one among professionals is considered correct. First, we will look at the most common methods, and then we will tell you how to properly keep your hands on the steering wheel:

1. The first way is with hands at the top of the steering wheel (sectors 11 and 1). There is an erroneous assertion that the hands are less tired this way. But in this position, it is much more difficult to quickly turn the steering wheel on high angle without the use of interception, which increases the time to complete the maneuver.
2. The second way - the hands are in the lower part (sectors 7 and 5). This situation completely hampers the driver's movements and reduces the possibility of quick and safe maneuvering to a minimum.
3. The third way - one hand at the top of the steering wheel, and the second at the bottom (sectors 7 and 2). Even this method is used by many motorists who argue their choice more comfortable driving. But in reality, riding using this method is very dangerous.
4. The fourth way - one hand is at the top of the steering wheel (sector 12). If this one-handed method can be recommended, it is only when shifting gears and reversing.

Concerning correct placement hands on the steering wheel, which will provide the fastest and most accurate control of the car in any traffic situation, then it is presented in the form of sectors 9 and 3. That is, the hands are located in a horizontal plane. This method, combined with a closed grip, according to experts, is ideal. Another confirmation of this is car racing, the participants of which use exactly this position of the hands, which makes it possible to turn on maximum angle without interception.

Steering technique for maneuvering

The need to perform all kinds of turns is one of the integral components of driving a car. You can turn onto another street, change lanes or reverse, and all these maneuvers are performed in different ways, in accordance with the desired angle of the car's wheels.

There are three main methods of making a turn that are constantly used in the process of driving. We will dwell on each of them in detail and tell you how to properly turn the steering wheel of a car when different types maneuvering. By reading this information, you can improve your driving skills.

Hands-free steering wheel control

If the turn is performed at a relatively small angle (up to 45 degrees), the driver in this case does not even need to change the position of the hands in order to quickly and efficiently turn the steering wheel. This is the simplest technique, which is implemented by applying an algorithm consisting of the following actions:

1. It is necessary to take the initial position of the hands on the steering wheel.
2. When overtaking or changing lanes, turn the steering wheel in the desired direction without taking your hands off.
3. The final stage of the maneuver is the return of the wheels to their original position.

The peculiarity of this method is that you will not have problems with the return of the car to the optimal trajectory. True, this method cannot be used when performing turns with a large angle.

Steering wheel control with interception

How to turn the steering wheel correctly if the steering angle is 90 degrees or more? This you will find out if you read the guide below on the method of intercepting the steering wheel:

1. Having taken the initial position of the hands, smoothly turn the wheels to the left and at the moment when your left hand is leaning against your left side, remove it from the steering wheel.
2. With your right hand, continue to twist, at the same time, move your left hand and grab the steering wheel on top of your right.
3. As soon as you feel that it becomes uncomfortable to turn further with your right hand, intercept the steering wheel over your left hand.
4. Repeat the interception actions until the wheel angle is optimal for the maneuver.
5. After the turn or turn is completed, you need to return the wheels to their original position by turning the steering wheel to the right in the same way.

If you need to turn right, follow the same principle. However, you should pay attention to the fact that many drivers, when turning to the right, control the vehicle with one left hand, resting on the steering wheel with their open palm. This kind of steering is acceptable in some situations, but can be dangerous, especially if you are a beginner and just learning to turn the steering wheel of a car correctly.

Steering wheel control when reversing

If you have recently started driving a car, it is recommended that you turn your head back to better visibility. Experienced drivers are often limited to being guided by rear-view mirrors. In any case, the first method is more common, as it is convenient and safe - it allows you to notice obstacles and unexpected pedestrians in time. For correct taxiing check out next instruction, which assumes you're driving a left-hand drive car:

1. Turn half to the right - so you can see everything that is behind the car.
2. If you need to pass straight or turn right, then it is better to put your right hand on the back of an adjacent seat, steering the steering wheel with your left hand.
3. In the case when going backwards involves a left turn, you need to turn half a turn in the appropriate direction and turn the steering wheel with your right hand. The left hand at this moment should be on the back of your chair.

Following the classic rules, you will be able to quickly understand how to turn the steering wheel correctly in a variety of driving situations, and you will effectively apply the acquired skills in practice.

What should be the correct landing behind the wheel of a car

Proper driving position contributes to the maximum composure and performance of the human body. Sitting has been proven to be the worst for our health. And yet the task of the driver is to minimize the load on the muscles during the ride and respond in a timely manner at any moment of changing the situation on the road.

One of the signs of a proper fit is maximum contact with the back of the driver's seat. Many motorists do not fully understand how to properly sit behind the wheel of a car and make a number of gross mistakes. One of the clearest examples of this is sitting on the edge of the chair, firmly grasping the steering wheel in front of you. In this position, the hands get tired very quickly due to heavy loads.

If you want to learn how to properly sit behind the wheel, just pay attention to experienced drivers or the same racing drivers. They practically press themselves into the seat to increase contact with the car and the ability to feel any change in its behavior. In order to accept proper fit while driving your vehicle, follow the instructions below:

1. It is necessary to sit in a chair, throwing back its back, and then squeeze the clutch pedal to the stop with your left foot.
2. Next, grab the wheel in his top point so that the arm is straightened, and lift the back of the seat - the back and lower back should be firmly pressed against it.
3. If your chair has a tilt adjustment feature, set the front edge slightly higher than the back.
4. Adjust the height of the head restraint so that it is at the level of the back of your head and as close to your head as possible. This part of the seat serves solely to protect the cervical spine in a collision, so it would be wrong to rest against the headrest while driving.
5. If possible, set the optimal angle of inclination of the steering column, in which the hands will be slightly higher than the elbows and, as a result, fatigue.

By following these rules, you will feel as comfortable as possible while driving. In addition, there are rules for landing behind the wheel for people with a non-standard physique. Therefore, if you belong to this category of motorists, then the following list of recommendations is addressed to you:

• The driver has long legs - it is recommended to take a more upright position with an emphasis on keeping the arms as comfortable as possible.
• The driver has long arms - you can lean back and slide down the seat a little. So you will be more comfortable, but be prepared for increased stress on the muscles of the neck.
• For drivers with small shoe sizes, it is necessary to ensure that the heels do not come off the floor. To do this, you can use a stand (for example, a board).
• For drivers with short arms- sitting upright and slightly bending your legs, you will be able to fully control the machine. And you also have to bend the gearshift lever so that you don’t have to bend over when shifting gears.
• If the driver weak hands- the problem will be solved by installing a larger diameter handlebar and using a wider grip.

Practice shows that a person can get used to any changes within 21 days. Therefore, we recommend that you tune in precisely for this period, monitor your manner of handling the steering wheel and sit in the seat of your car. The combination of proper handling and proper posture can even save your life.

Today we will learn how to properly position your hands on the steering wheel and use the steering wheel correctly. In the future, this can save you a lot of trouble and even save your life.

If you are sure that your 20 years of experience gives you the right to be called a professional who has nothing more to learn, then you are either too self-confident or simply hopelessly stupid. In fact, even aces sometimes have to find themselves in emergency situations. And if we are talking about a novice driver, then here unjustified self-confidence can cost too much. And if you have already mastered the correct landing, it's time to move on to the competent position of the hands on the "donut".

"I will give myself into good hands" - Rudder

Any driving instructor will tell you right away that the correct position of the hands on the steering wheel is easiest to calculate using an imaginary watch face. The left hand should rest between nine o'clock and half past ten, and the right hand from half past two to three o'clock. Experience suggests that the hands should without fail be slightly bent at the elbows, so that if the situation on the road changes, the driver can respond quickly and efficiently.

To hone the skill of taxiing, you need an elementary simulator

Photo drive-style177.ru

This information can be found in a variety of manuals, but at the same time, almost no driver with at least 2 years of experience does this. Pay attention to drivers while driving. They can hold the steering wheel in many ways, but always choose comfort over safety.

Remember that the steering wheel must be held with only two hands just above the horizontal level dividing the steering wheel in half.

Common Mistakes

Many drivers place their hands on top of the steering wheel. This allegedly reduces the load on the muscles of the hands. Perhaps, but the problem is that this position significantly reduces the speed of the steering wheel.

When your hands are in the lower sector of the "steering wheel", this makes it possible to turn the steering wheel to a large angle in just one step, but in fact you do it with one hand. And this is dangerous not only in counter-emergency control, but also in normal mode.

In the event that the driver places his hands diagonally, the steering angle is significantly reduced, and the lower hand necessarily inserts sticks into the wheels.

Rule with minor exceptions

The steering wheel must be held with two hands only. The only exceptions are those cases when one of the hands needs to be distracted: for example, change gear or perform certain manipulations with the instrument panel. But the solo of one hand on the "donut" should not be delayed.

Steering wheel grip

There are two ways to competently grip the steering wheel: incomplete, as well as full closed grip. If we talk about which one is more correct, then we can definitely say that this is a closed grip. If in the first case, the thumbs are on top of the steering wheel, then in the case of a full grip, they close with the index finger, clasping the steering wheel.

Steering wheel grip methods

Photo gendocs.ru

Even a small stone on the road or a slight bump pavement can cause a blow that is able to knock the steering wheel out of your hands. When the steering wheel spoke hits the thumb, physiology comes into play. Feeling pain, we want to squeeze our fingers harder, thereby providing a firm grip on the steering wheel. This will give the driver the opportunity not to lose control of the car.

But when it comes to high speed, then an incomplete grip is preferable here, when the thumbs rest on the rim of the steering wheel, increasing contact and control accuracy. In this case, you need to try to always have the steering wheel in your hands. Drivers often release the steering wheel after completing a turn to return it to its original position. Yes, it's convenient, but not safe.

Grip strength

The force on the steering wheel is also one of critical factors safe management. Beginners usually try to squeeze the steering wheel like they are Othello, who is expressing dissatisfaction with his Desdemona. Too much force will lead to fatigue, as well as reduce the quality and speed of maneuvering.

Never steer with one hand!

Photo fotostation.ru

Too weak grip can also play a cruel joke with the driver, because in this case there is a complete absence feedback with wheels. And if suddenly there is a collision with any obstacle, then the steering wheel can be pulled out of your hands, and the car will become uncontrollable.

So how hard should you hold the steering wheel? Sebeslav Zasada, a race car driver from Poland, wrote in his driving book that this should be done as if you were squeezing a chicken by the throat: if you squeeze too weakly, the bird will run away, and vice versa, if you squeeze too hard, you can inadvertently take the life of the Corydalis. But it is important to consider that in those days when the Polish racer's book was being written, power steering was a luxury. Today there is no need to “choke” the steering wheel, but you need to hold it weakly rather than firmly. The main thing is that you feel comfortable, and all 100 horses under the hood do not suddenly go crazy and suffer.

Taxiing techniques

Usually, during training, future driver doesn't really focus on how to steer. Over time, he develops the habit of handling the steering wheel in a way that suits him. That is wrong. Correcting such automatism is much more difficult than conquering Everest on a Karpaty moped.

We will not talk about such subtleties as tempo, search, balancing, impulse, pendulum and god knows what else taxiing. All these are nuances for highly specialized specialists. But you just need to understand the basics.

Full closed grip good for maneuvering

Photo avtotrener-vrn.ru

The main and unconditional rule sounds something like this: taxi only on those sections of the road that can be called good. This means that on pits and other irregularities, you should try to keep the wheels straight.

Often the question arises which hand to turn the steering wheel. We answer - steer with only two hands. Ross Bentley, who is a well-known American coach who trains racing drivers, would agree with our recommendation. One hand pushes, the other pulls. In the left turn, the left hand acts as a barge hauler, in the right - the right hand.

Incomplete grip allows you to better feel the steering wheel on high speeds

Photo norton-club.ru

However, there is another opinion. So, Brendt Norberg, by extreme driving from Sweden and a defendant in the Guinness Book of Records, which noted him for riding on two wheels, believes that the main hand when entering a turn is pushing. In this case, the hand that pulls the steering wheel plays a supporting role. According to the Swedish instructor, such taxiing allows you to feel the "donut" much better.

But the standard can be considered the method of taxiing, when the hands, when turning the steering wheel, do not change position until the moment of crossing. Many car instructors who still use outdated methods will not agree with this, but this, as they say, is their problem. It's simple: when the arms are crossed, the lower one intercepts the steering wheel at the top. Sometimes novice drivers do this without prompting, intuitively. This once again speaks of the effectiveness and correctness of this method.

Its speed plays a huge role in taxiing. In normal mode, you don’t need to think about it, but as a countermeasure high speed steering wheel rotation plays a huge role. By the way, racing drivers in training devote a lot of time to taxiing speed, and usually it is 2 times higher than the figures that a “civilian” driver can give out on a mountain.

Never turn the steering wheel while one hand is busy doing other things. All manipulations with the steering wheel must be carried out only with two hands. And even if you have removed one hand, learn to automatically increase the grip strength of the remaining hand.

Formula 1 drivers take taxi speed very seriously.

Photo wordpress.com

Do not use handlebar covers, as they often interfere with certain steering techniques.

Start with practice steering with interception - this is the main type of steering wheel rotation when turning the car today.

Steer with one hand only when reversing.

And remember that the art of driving does not require sacrifice at all. The main thing is that the brains also work with the hands, and the car has only one brake. Good luck on the roads!

Every driver knows how important a quick reaction is while driving a car. important detail The driver's responsiveness is the way his hands are placed on the steering wheel.
What only methods of "steering" are not used by our motorists! One hand, one finger, holding from below, from above! But only if necessary, such options for gripping the steering wheel will not help to make a quick and safe maneuver. Incorrect hand placement in a critical situation can lead to very undesirable consequences, so let's remember how to properly hold the steering wheel we were taught in driving schools. This topic is one of the basic ones for.
To illustrate the correct position of the hands on the steering wheel, it is customary to perceive the steering wheel as a clock face, and we will call the numbers sectors.
There are several popular ways to hold the steering wheel, but only one is the safest. Let's take a look at the most common handlebar grips before discussing the safest.
Many drivers hold their hands on the upper part - sector 11 and sector 1. The erroneous opinion is that they get less tired this way. In this position, it is quite difficult to turn the steering wheel quickly and at a large angle without interceptions.

Some drivers prefer to hold the steering wheel from below, sector 7 and sector 5. With this grip, the driver has a minimum of room for maneuver.

Some drivers practice the position of the hands in sector 7 and 2. There is an opinion that with such a grip the driver is comfortable in the car, but this is very dangerous.

So what is the correct grip the driver should use in order to extreme situation on the road to be as safe as possible?
The correct grip on the steering wheel looks like sector 9 and sector 3 or fifteen minutes to three, if you imagine the clock face. It is in these sectors that the hands should ideally be located. This contributes to a quick reaction in any driving situation. In this position, the driver's hands practically do not get tired, and it is best to control the turn signals and wipers with this grip. From this position, the steering wheel can be turned to the largest possible angle.

Race car drivers use exactly this hand position during races. The use of this grip is confirmed, as we see, by professionals.
An important point is the grip itself, which, if possible, should be closed. The closed grip allows you to better hold the steering wheel and “feel” the car when maneuvering.
There is a great saying: "The steering wheel is not a tool to hold on to, the steering wheel is a tool to be held."
If you hold it hard, then your hands will get tired very quickly, and control over the car will not improve. But, when maneuvering the steering wheel, of course, you need to hold it tighter than usual.
"Experienced" drivers who feel confident often steer with one hand.
Of course, taxiing with one hand is acceptable, but only in two cases. The first case is when there is a need to shift gears, and the second is when driving in reverse, when the driver sits half-turned and looks back. The main thing to remember is that when taxiing with one hand, the left hand must be moved to the top of the steering wheel, to sector 12, and after completing any actions, return to its original position, sector 9 and sector 3.

And finally, a few tips. If your hands sweat a lot in the summer, or this is due to a feature of the body, we advise you to ride in thin leather gloves.
You should not use a variety of steering wheel braids, because it can turn or slip in an emergency.
Following the advice, your driving safety will be even higher, and for the future - only good roads!

When copying materials from this site, an active link to is required.