The recommendation for the 10 & 2 hand position went out when air bags came in. The reason is that the air bag, when it deploys, comes out at speeds of 150 to 200 miles per hour. If your hands are in the upper component of the wheel (the conventional 10 & 2 position), your hands can be thrown into your head causing a serious head injury or your wrist or forearm can be broken. Thumbs have been severed mainly because of the speed at which the seams of the air bag cuts across the hand.
The suggested positions are 9 &3 or 8 & 4. I'm not a big fan of the 8 & 4 position, but, depending upon the design of the steering wheel, it works okay. The essential thing though is that the driver maintain control of the steering wheel. Below the 8 & 4 position, I believe you sacrifice control plus the ability to perform an avoidance steer.
Air bags now need drivers to do the following:
1. Sit at least 10 inches away from the bag - otherwise the bag can explode into you, causing serious harm.
2. Use the 9 & 3 position or 8 & 4 hand position.
3. If you have a tilt function on the steering wheel, make certain the wheel is tilted away from the head (preferably toward the chest).
4. Older, frail persons and kids 13 and under must sit in the back seat. Front seat airbags have killed children and older folks.
Bear in mind, air bags are a "Supplementary Restraint System".
Your safety belt is your primary restraint and, for you to get the finest protection with your air bags, you need to have to use your safety belt properly.
Drivers Education Program Texas
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