1.7  STEERING - two acceptable methods

Looking at the steering wheel as a clock face, the hands rest on the steering wheel between the 9/10 o’clock and 2 o’clock /quarter to three positions. It may vary according to the location of indicators and windscreen wiper switches. There should be a slight bend in the elbow, when the palm of the hand reaches the top of the steering wheel. Do not hold the wheel tightly, rather be relaxed. A light grip on the steering wheel lets you feel the road better.

1. The pull-push method. Both hands move in an up and down motion on the sides of the steering wheel. The right hand on the right-hand side and the other on the left.

For turning left:

• The left hand pulls the wheel down, whilst during the same movement,

• the right hand moves down ready to take over.

• The right hand pushes the wheel up, as the left hand moves up etc.

For a right-hand turn it is vice-versa. Even on a slight bend, this method works very well. Just move the steering wheel as required. Both hands are always at the same height, making it very neat and tidy. The body stays balanced. When a sharp turn is required, both hands must move briskly from the top (12 o’clock ) to the bottom of the wheel (6 o’clock).

Here is how pull-push looks like

2. The hand-over-hand method.

Steering in this fashion crosses hands on top of the steering wheel. It is often used during manoeuvres, e.g. three-point-turns, because a quicker movement from lock-to- lock (left to right extreme), can be achieved. However, loose clothing or jewelry can get in the way and the body becomes unbalanced. In some parts of the world driving schools do not allow this steering method.

Either method does not allow:

• Letting the wheel spin back by itself.
• Placing hands inside the steering wheel
• Crossing hands under the wheel.
• Steering with one hand.

In the debate about which method of steering is best, it is often forgotten that a driver with long arms and/or short legs finds it hard to pull-push the steering wheel, as the elbow space is limited.

Likewise a person with short arms may opt for the pull-push method naturally. The arm may not be long enough to reach over the top of the steering wheel. Road Safety Experts prefer the pull-push method However, if a new driver finds it easier to cross hands and it brings results, why change it?

Many steering problems are caused not so much by incorrect handling of the steering wheel, but by not looking far enough away from the vehicle where it is meant to go.

                                                             

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