10 and 2, right? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jplinville · #1 06-21-2012, 10:39 AM

In the drivers education classes I took years ago in Ohio, we were taught to keep your hands on the wheel in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. You had greater control of the wheel, and it was less strenuous on your arms.

Here in PA, my daughter's book (they don't require driver's ed) that we picked up at the DMV states to keep your hands at the 9 and 3, or 8 and 4 positions. 9-3 will wear your arms out, and 8-4 just doesn't sound right at all.

What were you guys told?

MS Fowler · #2 06-21-2012, 10:46 AM

Airbags---
They want your hands low on the wheel so that they don't get hit if the airbag deploys. Seems backwards to me---I think we need to teach vehicle control which 10 and 2 does better. If you have a crash, there is no telling where your hands might end up. I still use 10 and 2---'til they pry the steering wheel from my cold dead fingers........

MTI · #3 06-21-2012, 10:48 AM

The "new" standard is 9 and 3, for safety reasons in cars with airbags. At the 10 and 2, the deployment of an airbag has the potential to cause injury to wrists and forearms, as well as causing the forearms and hands to strike either the roof or the face.

jplinville · #4 06-21-2012, 10:53 AM

The book says that 10-2 can still be used, but is no longer preferred. I forgot about airbags being a concern.

I use 10-2, since that's what I'm used to, unless I'm on the highway during a relaxing drive...then it's more like 8:30 and armrest

t walgamuth · #5 06-21-2012, 12:03 PM

I use 10/2 and for a change of pace will use 7/4 or 10/4.

Due to the lack of room to flail my arms about in the Formula ford I start out with them at 12/12 touching. During a run they are liable to be anywhere.

tbomachines · #6 06-21-2012, 12:16 PM

12:00 with the other hand on the shifter

davidmash · #7 06-21-2012, 12:29 PM

They also instruct you to turn the wheel by shuffling the wheel in your hands rather than holding onto to it so your arm is crossed over the center of the wheel for the same reason mentioned above. If the air bag deploys with your arm over the wheel you'll probably break your arm and smack your face into it as a high rate of speed.

flainn · #8 06-21-2012, 12:31 PM

I prefer left thigh at the 6 o'clock position, a burrito in my left hand an a 44-oz soda in the right.

tbomachines · #9 06-21-2012, 12:31 PM

In case you need a reminder...
Old Lady Pwnz Mercedes Guy - YouTube

The Clk Man · #10 06-21-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I use 10/2 and for a change of pace will use 7/4 or 10/4.

Due to the lack of room to flail my arms about in the Formula ford I start out with them at 12/12 touching. During a run they are liable to be anywhere.

Are you left handed?

t walgamuth · #11 06-21-2012, 01:29 PM

I am right but pretty ambidextrous. (sp?)

MS Fowler · #12 06-21-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

They also instruct you to turn the wheel by shuffling the wheel in your hands rather than holding onto to it so your arm is crossed over the center of the wheel for the same reason mentioned above. If the air bag deploys with your arm over the wheel you'll probably break your arm and smack your face into it as a high rate of speed.

I think those people are not thinking. In a crash all bets are off as to where your hands might be when that air bag fires off. Could they be worried about the inadvertent firing of an airbag with no crash. I haven't heard of many of those. It was a concern of mine when air bags were first mandated, but it seems not to be a problem.

Some safety people raised concerns about the abrasions caused by airbags. They had reports of accident victims with facial abrasions, and some were questioning the use of air bags as causing these injuries. Then someone a bit smarter pointed out that w/o the air bags, they would have all been DEAD.

retmil46 · #13 06-21-2012, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

I think those people are not thinking. In a crash all bets are off as to where your hands might be when that air bag fires off. Could they be worried about the inadvertent firing of an airbag with no crash. I haven't heard of many of those. It was a concern of mine when air bags were first mandated, but it seems not to be a problem.

Some safety people raised concerns about the abrasions caused by airbags. They had reports of accident victims with facial abrasions, and some were questioning the use of air bags as causing these injuries. Then someone a bit smarter pointed out that w/o the air bags, they would have all been DEAD.

Indeed. Seems they're assuming you WILL be in an accident regardless because everyone these days is a crappy driver - so just forget about vehicle control and just "assume the crash position" every time you get in your car.

I'll take using my own brain, vehicle control, and avoiding an accident altogether - over placing my faith in their wondrous safety devices and not even trying to drive sensibly.

Wonder if that's part of the reason some people continue to do stupid things while driving, such as texting and DWI - they assume that with the advances in automotive safety devices, the technology will save their rears regardless of what stupid stunt they pull.

tonkovich · #14 06-21-2012, 02:30 PM

we were taught "10 and 2".

now, with one hand on the stick, and a cigarette going, i have no idea.

but usually one hand at either 11 or 1.

since i haven't had a ticket since 2001, or an accident since 1992, i guess i am either lucky or good? or both? knock on wood? (it might help that i never talk or text while driving, and won't get behind the wheel of any vehicle if i have had even one sip of alcohol. seems like common sense, but you'd be surprised)

probably not good to think too much about the airbag, or count on it to save you from your own idiocy.

MTI · #15 06-21-2012, 02:51 PM

Take a look at where AMG/Mercedes puts the thumb grips on their current steering wheels. There's your sign . . .