I mean, how do you hold the steering wheel?  When I first learned to drive, I was taught to hold the wheel at 10:00 and 2:00, and I did it that way for awhile.. but then I started leaving my right hand on the shifter knob and steering only with my left hand.  That habit has stuck with me to this day.  I drive an automatic now, but I still drive with my left hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel, and I only use two hands when I'm turning.

(I guess it works though, because I've never had an accident. **knock on wood**)

I was told either to use 10 to 2 or 9.15 whichever is more comfortable.  I find it varies on the design of the steering wheel which I use.

The problem with only driving with one hand on the steering wheel is that you might not be able to swerve quickly enough around an unexpected object in your path.

I hold it with my left hand at about... 11:45, is it? And then the right hand leaning back over the seat. So basically, I drive like a pimp.  ;D

Or at least I would. ;D

I mean, how do you hold the steering wheel?
Look ma... no hands!  ;D

Look ma... no hands!  ;D



look ma... no head!  ::)

I mean, how do you hold the steering wheel?  When I first learned to drive, I was taught to hold the wheel at 10:00 and 2:00, and I did it that way for awhile.. but then I started leaving my right hand on the shifter knob and steering only with my left hand.  That habit has stuck with me to this day.  I drive an automatic now, but I still drive with my left hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel, and I only use two hands when I'm turning.

(I guess it works though, because I've never had an accident. **knock on wood**)


Well, though I don't particularly recommend the habit you have gotten into......

If *I* drove with my right hand on the 'shifter knob' then everyone would be in severe danger as I drive on the left hand side of the road  ;D 

So things would be a tad "awkward"  ;D

When learning, it was strictly '10 to 2' with the marvellous 'push-pull' technique when turning a corner...

As soon as I ripped the L-plates up, it was one hand all the way...!!

I've got a bit more responsible nowadays, so it's normally both hands at 'quarter to three', or thereabouts...

When learning, it was strictly '10 to 2' with the marvellous 'push-pull' technique when turning a corner...



I used that techniques for a few years after learning to drive.  Then a friend asked me if I'd only just passed!  I still do use it to a certain extent.  It comes from previously owning cars without power steering!

The ideal way is to hold the wheel with your hands at 10 and 2.  But often whenever I drive, I get so relaxed that I drive with one hand.  I do this so much, that I had to train myself not to when I took my G2 test last Wednesday.  If I had driven with one hand on my test, I would have failed right away ;D

No, I take the bus.

I got my license back recently. I thought I would have to take the driving test over (I didn't have to), so I studied the manual. The are now saying 8 and 4 in VA.  ???  That is possibly the worst way to drive a car.

I generally drive with my left hand about 11:30 o' clock because I'm used to driving manual transmission vehicles. Since I have an automatic now (my first ever), I have to break that habit and go 10 and 2.

On really long drives I might go about 7 o' clock with my left hand and rest my elbow on the armrest or my thigh, but it's not really safe - if the need arose, I couldn't swerve left.

Ant

It has been at least 5 years (maybe longer) since I drove. When I did, it would be 2 and 10 with two hands or 12 with one hand. Yeah, I used to drive with one hand a lot.  :-[  My other hand would be "occupied" doing other things-working the radio, holding a cigarette, etc. At least it never was holding a phone.


Cat

The ideal way is to hold the wheel with your hands at 10 and 2.

Yes, that's how I do it. I use both hands.

I've got a bit more responsible nowadays, so it's normally both hands at 'quarter to three', or thereabouts...

That's how I usually do it as well (though sometimes I'll use only one hand and hold it at 4)...

To be honest, I need to check. I was told the 10 and 2 thing, and I believe that's how I do it, but I know I change it often depending on how I make a turn or back out of somewhere, or what mood I'm in.

I usually drive with the left hand on 10 and my other hand on the gear shift, unless I'm turning. If I'm actually driving on the interstate where I know I'll definitely be over fifth gear for a long time, I put my right hand on 2 after shifting all the way. It's actually very comfortable for me.

I usually hold the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 position. It's just more comfortable for me. One of my friends drives with her right hand at the 6 o'clock position and hangs her left arm out the window. I could never do that without feeling nervous.  :P

One of my friends drives with her right hand at the 6 o'clock position and hangs her left arm out the window. I could never do that without feeling nervous.  :P


That's more or less what I do. Right hand at 5, left hand out the window. I usually only have a couple of fingers on the wheel unless I'm going around a corner, then I move my right hand up and around. I very rarely use my left hand for anything.

When asked how do they drive, here's what the following had to say ...


A drunk:  One hand on the wheel, the other on my beer

A player:  One hand on the wheel, with my arm around my babe

A sicko:  One hand on the wheel, the other on my penis

A criminal:  Right hand on the wheel, left hand holding a gun out the window shooting at the police



:D

My teen sister told me yesterday 8) "You drive it like you stole it!!"
I think I'm a cautious careful driver. I have pulled the seat way up to the steering wheel and I don't use my phone, and I usually don't eat, and it took me 5 months or so to be comfortable driving to even play the stereo louder than a low hum.  I've only been drinving since spring 06.

The are now saying 8 and 4 in VA.  ???  That is possibly the worst way to drive a car.

Ant


I found out the answer to this. It has nothing to do with how much you can control your vehicle, rather it's entirely based on airbags. Seems that keeping your arms low is a good way to not get them broken and burned should your airbag deploy in an accident.

Since I drive a truck w/o airbags, I'll continue to drive it with my hands at 10 and 2.

Ant

I found out the answer to this. It has nothing to do with how much you can control your vehicle, rather it's entirely based on airbags. Seems that keeping your arms low is a good way to not get them broken and burned should your airbag deploy in an accident.

Since I drive a truck w/o airbags, I'll continue to drive it with my hands at 10 and 2.

Ant

...which is probably the safest thing to do IMO. I always put my hands at 10 and 2 so I have good control with the steering wheel and so that I can conveniently activate the turn-signal thingy, which is on the left side of the wheel.

I mean, how do you hold the steering wheel?  When I first learned to drive, I was taught to hold the wheel at 10:00 and 2:00, and I did it that way for awhile.. but then I started leaving my right hand on the shifter knob and steering only with my left hand.  That habit has stuck with me to this day.  I drive an automatic now, but I still drive with my left hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel, and I only use two hands when I'm turning.

(I guess it works though, because I've never had an accident. **knock on wood**)


One hand lazily wrapped around it, usually...when i'm cruising at least.

9 and 4  :D

Unless I'm turning, then I move my right hand up to 2.

On the left-hand side of the road.

I hold it with my left hand at about... 11:45, is it? And then the right hand leaning back over the seat. So basically, I drive like a pimp.  ;D

Or at least I would. ;D


Me too  ;D

Like Cat tho- if my right hand isn't on the back of the other seat then it holds a mountain dew, fries, a burger, or the remote for the radio... I admit I do talk on the cell while driving but I pay more attention to the rode than the conversation I am having... I consider it no different than talking to another passenger in the car.


I sometimes dance while driving during long road trips or after a 14 hour shift at work...  ;D

I also like to drive very very fast! lol  most people in Law Enforcement do hypocrites! ;D

Pedal to the metal No hands    ;D

I don't really like driving in the winter.  I can't afford winter tires, so I gotta watch when I break, otherwise I will skid.  Check this out ...

Last week, me and a co-worker went to a Casino about 20 some minutes away.  I drove, and took the Hwy (100km/hr) and when we got there, I realized that I missed the turn off, and the next off ramp was so far away.  So you know those roads in the medium that cops use to get on the other way and catch speeders?  I took one, and going 100km, and then making a sharp turn?  You guessed it .. I almost slid into an oncoming car and a ditch.

I am an idiot and I proved it that day ;D  One thing's for sure, when I go to the casino again, I'll know which off-ramp to take

Well, though I don't particularly recommend the habit you have gotten into......

If *I* drove with my right hand on the 'shifter knob' then everyone would be in severe danger as I drive on the left hand side of the road  ;D   

So things would be a tad "awkward"  ;D



That could definitely be problematic.  :)

Try and see.

http://www.nuts.co.uk/howsmyparking/

I haven't done much driving at night, but I gotta get accustomed to it at some point. All I really need to do is use my headlights, and be extra careful.

...Very carefully tonight. My "check gauges" light came on - the water temp was about 230* and climbing fast (it's normally 180*). I've got a pinhole leak in the radiator. I'm not sure how much antifreeze the engine and radiator hold, but I know I put in 6 quarts. Yeesh... at least the engine seems okay.

Ant

...Very carefully tonight. My "check gauges" light came on - the water temp was about 230* and climbing fast (it's normally 180*). I've got a pinhole leak in the radiator. I'm not sure how much antifreeze the engine and radiator hold, but I know I put in 6 quarts. Yeesh... at least the engine seems okay.


0) Don't do that again.
1) Be thankful it was winter (assuming you're in the Northern hemisphere), that helped a lot.
2) You may already know this, but for the benefit of those who don't, if you're ever in that situation again, and you have to make it to the next exit, or out of downtown Detroit, shut down the air conditioning, turn on the heat as high as it will go, and pray.  Prayer won't help, but the first two things might make the difference between five miles and ten miles before the engine seizes and costs you several thousand dollars.
3) If you're the kind of person who keeps a car for 5-10+ years, replace all cooling hoses every 5 years "whether it needs it or not".  Hoses are cheap.  Engines are expensive.  Getting stranded for a small leak is cheap - but odds are it'll happen on your way to your best friend's wedding.

(Back in the days before cell phones, I did the same thing you did, because I didn't want to walk a mile or two on the shoulder of a highway looking for an offramp, and another mile or two looking for a pay phone.  I also got lucky.  I didn't realize how lucky until I started thinking about how much it would have cost me if the engine had seized...)

10 & 2. Sometimes 6 & nothing. Sometimes 2 & nothing. Sometimes nothing & nothing...  :o

How about both hands on "12 o clock"?