Driver's Hand Position Could Be Dangerous In Accident

April 3, 2012
Many people are taught to hold the steering wheel of a car at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions, but new research shows that holding the wheel like this could be dangerous and lead to injuries.
According to a recent article by KSDK 5 News, the danger comes from the airbag. In the case of an accident, an airbag deploys at roughly 200 mph out of the front of the steering wheel. If a driver is holding the wheel at the 10 and 2 o’clock position at the time of a crash, the airbag is going to hit their hands and arms and send their limbs towards their face, which could cause serious injury.
Another technique that is now being called dangerous is crossing your arms when turning the wheel. Experts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say that the act of crossing your arms leaves you exposed to the same danger of an airbag causing your arms to hit your face in the event of an accident.
This is why the NHTSA now advises drivers to hold the wheel at the 9 and 3 position, with your arms to the side of the wheel and free of danger.
The Missouri Car Accident Lawyers with Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers want you to stay safe while driving and are here to help you if you’ve been seriously injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence.