Breaking the 10 and 2 Rule and Other Driving Myths

Many drivers in the United States learned early on that keeping their hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions on a steering wheel was the safest way to drive. As vehicle safety and technology have evolved, this advice is no longer the best guidance. Several other driving-related beliefs, like red cars being more accident-prone or hands-free devices being completely safe, don't hold up to scrutiny.

To drive more safely, it's essential to know the real facts underlying these fallacies. If you're curious about how to hold a steering wheel correctly and other common driving misconceptions, read on.

The Truth About the "10 and 2" Steering Position

The 10 and 2 rule was promoted decades ago when steering wheels were less equipped with airbags. At that time, placing hands at the top of the wheel was thought to maximize control. But airbags are now in the middle of the steering wheel. To reduce the risk of injury in an accident, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises keeping your hands at 9 and 3 or even 8 and 4.

Modern advice on how to hold a steering wheel includes;

• Keeping hands at 9 and 3 o'clock to maintain balance and reduce fatigue.
• Avoid crossing hands when turning, which can delay reactions.
• Relaxing grip pressure to improve control and comfort over long drives.

Incorrect hand positioning can increase the risk of injury from airbag deployment, which inflates rapidly in a crash. Following current safety guidelines ensures drivers stay in control without compromising their safety.

Other Common Driving Myths

1. Red Cars Are More Prone to Accidents

There is a popular myth that red cars attract more tickets or accidents because they are more noticeable or appear sportier. Traffic data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and other U.S. sources find no conclusive link between car color and accident risk once other factors like driver behavior and location are controlled.

What matters more is;

• Driving habits like speeding or being inattentive when driving.
• The environment where the car is driven.
• Vehicle maintenance and condition.

Color alone doesn't impact a law enforcement officer's decision to pull over a driver. Assuming red cars are "riskier" can create unnecessary bias when choosing or judging vehicles.

2. Hands-Free Devices Are Risk-Free

Hands-free technology in vehicles has grown in popularity, often viewed as a safer alternative to handheld phone use while driving. Research by the National Safety Council and the NHTSA indicates that hands-free devices still pose serious distractions.

3. You Don't Need Seatbelts For Short Trips

A common myth is that seatbelts are unnecessary for short drives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that many fatal car crashes happen close to home.

Why wearing seatbelts on every trip matters:

• Sudden stops or collisions can happen anytime, regardless of trip length.
• In passenger cars, seatbelt use lowers the risk of fatalities or major injuries by 45%.
• State laws in all U.S. jurisdictions require seatbelt use for everyone in the vehicle.
• Even short trips have risks, so buckling up is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself.

4. Only the Driver is Required to Wear a Seatbelt

Another myth involves seatbelt use only being required for the driver. In reality, all passengers in a vehicle must wear seatbelts according to federal and state laws.

Reasons why passengers must buckle up;

• Unbelted passengers can become projectiles in a crash, harming themselves and others.
• Everyone in the vehicle shares responsibility for safety.
• Failure to wear a seatbelt may result in fines and penalties, depending on state laws.
• Reinforcing seatbelt use for all occupants prevents injuries and helps avoid legal troubles.

Key Takeaways

• The 10 and 2 hand position is outdated; modern advice favors 9 and 3 to reduce airbag-related injuries.
• Car color, including red, does not increase accident or ticket risks.
• Hands-free devices still distract drivers and impair reaction times.
• Seatbelts must be worn on every trip, even short ones, to prevent serious injuries.
• All passengers, not just drivers, are legally required to wear seatbelts for safety.