Why are 10 and 2 no longer recommended?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: September 19, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
The "10 and 2" steering wheel position is no longer recommended primarily because of airbags. Modern safety standards—promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—advise placing your hands at 9 and 3 (or 8 and 4) for the following reasons:
Why is it not 10 and 2 anymore?
The "10 and 2" steering wheel position is no longer recommended primarily due to the risk of severe arm or face injuries from airbag deployment. Modern safety standards, including those from the NHTSA, recommend 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 to keep hands out of the airbag's path.
Is 10/2 outdated?
Many people were taught in driving school to hold the steering wheel at 10:00 and 2:00, imagining the wheel as a traditional clock. However, that method may now be outdated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we now know there are more effective ways to hold the wheel.
Is 10 and 2 still recommended?
No, the "10 and 2" steering wheel position is no longer recommended.
Why is the 10 and 2:00 hand position no longer considered the best steering position?
The 10 and 2 o'clock hand position is no longer recommended because it places your hands and arms directly in the path of a deploying airbag. If an airbag inflates, the force can throw your hands backward into your face, resulting in severe injuries like broken wrists or facial fractures.
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Why did they change 10 and 2 to 9 and 3?
Years ago, drivers were taught to hold the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends drivers put their hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. This is to potentially keep hands out of the way if your airbag deploys.
What replaced 10 and 2?
LPT: The old adage to "keep your hands on 10 and 2" is no longer true for drivers of most vehicles. The 9 and 3 position is safer, due to the prevalence of airbags in steering wheels.
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Should I put my hands at 10 and 2 or 9 and 3?
Many drivers used to be taught to place their hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. However, over time, studies and car safety experts have found that 9 and 3 is safer. The newer recommendation is based on modern airbags and the safety features of cars today.
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Are you supposed to drive at 10 and 2?
No, 10 and 2 is no longer the recommended steering wheel hand position. Modern safety standards recommend holding the wheel at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 to prevent severe arm and hand injuries from deploying airbags.
Do they still do 10 and 2?
These recommendations are quite flexible, but keep in mind that 10 and 2 o'clock is no longer recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped with airbags. It's best to check your owner's manual to determine what is the best position for your vehicle.
What does 10/2 stand for?
Depending on what you mean, "10 2" can refer to a few different concepts:
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- not responding appropriately to traffic lights.
Is 9 and 3 better than 10 and 2?
Yes, 9 and 3 is significantly better and safer than 10 and 2 when it comes to holding a steering wheel.
Are 10 and 2 still taught?
No, "10 and 2" is no longer the standard taught in driver's education. Modern driving schools and safety organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), now recommend placing hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o'clock. This shift is primarily to prevent hand and arm injuries caused by airbag deployment.
Why did 10 and 2 change?
The 10-2 position was taught for so long because the higher grip enables a driver to keep the car running smoothly without needing to jerk the wheel suddenly if he is cut off or there is a hazard in the road. But doing it the old way could risk serious injuries to a driver's hands or fingers if the airbag activates.
Why is the 10 and 2 o'clock hand position no longer considered the best steering position?
The "10 and 2" position is no longer recommended primarily due to the explosive force of modern steering wheel airbags. Safety organizations now strongly advise placing your hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4.
Is 9 and 3 good for driving?
Many drivers believe the 10 and 2 hand positions offer the best control. This method was once common but is now outdated due to advancements in airbag technology. Experts now recommend the 9 and 3 o'clock position for improved safety and better control.
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