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Safe driving techniques have changed with modern cars
There was a time when driving was simpler…but not anymore. Today, there are more vehicles on the roads, and myriad ways to become distracted. Modern vehicles are more complicated, loaded with technology to help protect and entertain occupants. As our driving environment and vehicles have changed, so have safe driving techniques.
When most of us learned to drive, there were certain phrases that were drilled into us to ensure our safety behind the wheel. But as times have changed and vehicle technology has evolved, many of these phrases have been rendered inaccurate—and possibly even dangerous. Here are a couple whose time has come to be re-examined.
“Hands at 10 and 2”
Many of us were taught to grip the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions as if it were a clock. Before airbags, that worked just fine. Although airbags are very effective in preventing injury to the upper torso, their explosive deployment can injure a driver’s arms if they are in the wrong place. By lowering your grip on the steering wheel, you increase your ability to turn the wheel, plus the risk of arm injury will be minimized should the airbag deploy. Position your left hand between 8 and 9 o’clock, and your right hand between 3 and 4 o’clock. Never wrap your thumbs around the wheel—instead, keep them on the front edge of the wheel, thumbs up. The most important thing is to have both hands on the wheel, using a symmetrically opposing grip.
“You must pump those brakes!”
Prior to anti-lock braking systems (ABS), it was a common practice for driving instructors to recommend that drivers pump their brakes in a panic stop situation to limit wheel lock and maintain steering ability. Today, ABS takes care of that for you. When engaged in a hard braking maneuver, ABS rapidly pulses the brakes for the driver, preventing the wheels from locking. This helps drivers maintain steering control, which disappears when wheels are locked. Keep in mind that vehicles equipped with ABS do not stop more quickly than vehicles without. That’s why it’s always important to maintain adequate distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. With ABS, remember to “Stomp, Stay and Steer”—press the pedal hard, keep your foot pressed down, and continue steering toward your intended path of travel.
As vehicles and driving conditions change over time, the techniques needed to keep you safe also will change. Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security—thinking you know everything—and get left behind as our vehicles change. Instead, think of driver training as a lifetime pursuit.
Contact your local AAA office or visit AAA.com for the next training opportunity in your area.