Jamie S. Cogburn | January 16, 2025 | Car Accidents

Drive With Your Hands in the 9 and 3 O’Clock Position

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), steering technique errors are the leading cause of drivers running off the road. If someone else veers out of their lane due to poor hand positioning, it can mean serious personal injuries for both you and your passengers. 

Poor hand positioning can increase your risk of getting involved in such an accident, especially in busy places like Las Vegas. But what are the proper hand positions for driving exactly? Generally, the 9 and 3 steering wheel clock position is considered the optimal placement for your hands when operating a motor vehicle. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Are Steering Wheel Clock Positions?

Imagine your steering wheel is like the face of a clock. The number 12 will be at the top center of the steering wheel, and the number 6 will be at the bottom center. The 9 o’clock position is on the left side of your steering wheel, halfway between the 6 and 12 positions. The 3 o’clock position is on the right side of your steering wheel, also halfway between the 6 and 12 positions. 

Where Do You Put Your Hands on the Steering Wheel?

The NHTSA recommends that drivers use the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position when driving. Previously, the NHTSA recommended 10 and 2 hand placement, which involved putting your hands above the horizontal center line of the steering wheel but not quite at the top. 

The NHTSA has altered its recommendations to the 9 and 3 approach based on extensive research and crash data. The small adjustment from 10 and 2 to 9 and 3 helps you maintain good control over your vehicle while also reducing the risk of airbag-related injuries. 

Additional Reasons To Use the 9 and 3 Hand Position

The 9 and 3 hand position can also help reduce the risk of a car accident. If you do get involved in a crash, this hand positioning may keep your arms out of the way of the airbag, which could reduce the likelihood of secondary injuries like airbag burns. 

Why Some Drivers Don’t Use the 9 and 3 Hand Position

If the 9 and 3 o’clock position is so helpful, why doesn’t everyone drive that way? There are many reasons, which may include the following: 

Lack of Knowledge

For years, the NHTSA and many driving instructors have recommended 10 and 2 hand positioning. Some people may still learn to drive using this outdated technique. 

The good news is that the updates are slowly catching on, which will hopefully lead to others adopting the new hand positioning. You can do your part by teaching family members about the change so that they can stay safer while out on the road. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains a significant issue, especially in big cities like Las Vegas. People who are trying to do too many other things while they drive may neglect to use proper hand positioning. They may also drive with one hand, which can be even more dangerous. 

Additionally, texting and driving or interacting with passengers can take a person’s attention off the road, leading to improper hand positioning. 

Forgetfulness

Even if someone knows about the 9 and 3 recommendations, they may forget to incorporate them into their driving habits. Breaking years of old steering habits can be tough and requires a mindful approach.

How You Can Adjust Your Driving Habits

The benefits of the 9 and 3 o’clock position are numerous, but you’ll need to first work it into your driving habits. Be intentional and remind yourself of proper hand placement each time you get into the vehicle. After a few weeks of practice, the 9 and 3 position should become second nature, helping you stay safer on Las Vegas roads. 

For more information, please contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Cogburn Davidson Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Clark County and throughout Nevada:

Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Las Vegas
2300 W Sahara Ave Suite 800-816, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 996-4786
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Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Henderson
2580 St Rose Pkwy Suite 330, Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 541-9766
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