Whether to let go of the steering wheel when turning is a common question many drivers have. The quick answer is no, you should not let go of the wheel when turning. Keeping both hands on the wheel gives you the maximum control and stability while maneuvering your vehicle. However, there are some nuances to this topic that deserve a deeper look.
Why You Shouldn’t Let Go
There are a few key reasons why it’s recommended to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times when driving, especially when making turns:
- Control – With two hands on the wheel, you have greater control over turning precision and can make adjustments more easily. This allows you to steer smoothly through the turn.
- Stability – Both hands on the wheel helps stabilize it and prevent sudden jerking movements. This stability gives you better command over the direction of the vehicle.
- Safety – Keeping two hands ready provides you with the ability to react and maneuver quickly should an unexpected hazard arise mid-turn. It gives you your best chance to avoid an accident.
- Habit – Forming the habit of always keeping both hands on the wheel makes it automatic. You eliminate the risk of letting go without thinking about it.
Letting go of the wheel forfeits some of this control, stability, and safety. For most regular driving scenarios, there is no compelling reason to remove your hands while turning.
When One Hand May Be Okay
There are some exceptions where taking one hand briefly off the steering wheel may be acceptable:
- Light turns – For shallow, gentle turns on a straight, uncongested road, one hand may suffice if you are an experienced driver.
- Operating controls – You may need to take one hand off to operate blinkers, wipers, radio, etc. Keep these periods brief.
- Stretching – Taking one hand off momentarily to stretch on a long drive is understandable. Just be alert.
In these cases, one hand can be acceptable if done carefully for a very short period. However, it’s wise to limit these instances as much as possible. Never take both hands off the wheel while driving.
Technique Matters
How you position your hands on the wheel also impacts control. Here are some recommended techniques:
- 9 and 3 o’clock – Keep one hand at 9 o’clock and the other at 3 o’clock. This gives optimal leverage for turning.
- 10 and 2 o’clock – A similar alternative is 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock hand positions.
- Avoid 12 o’clock – Placing one hand at the very top of the wheel decreases control and leverage.
- Adjust grip – Loosen your grip to allow wheel to glide through your hands as it turns.
Maintaining proper hand placement as described gives you the best capability to catch the wheel and react in an emergency.
Two Hands Critical in Challenging Conditions
While two hands on the wheel is always ideal, it becomes especially critical in hazardous driving scenarios:
- Sharp turns – Tight turns at intersections or on winding roads necessitate firm two hand control.
- Bad weather – Rain, snow, and ice make controlling the wheel harder with reduced grip.
- Heavy traffic – More vehicles around you increases the need for instant reactions.
- Unfamiliar vehicles – Driving rental cars or borrowed vehicles requires getting accustomed to their feel.
In these situations, it’s essential to keep both hands on the wheel at all times to maintain safety and control. The risks of letting go increase dramatically.
Why Do People Let Go?
If two-hand steering is so important, why do drivers sometimes let go of the wheel? There are a few possible reasons:
- Habit – They regularly drive with one hand and are used to it.
- Laziness – They keep one hand in their lap to relax their arm.
- Confidence – They believe their driving skill allows them to steer one-handed.
- Obliviousness – They let go without conscious thought or awareness of risk.
While seemingly harmless, it only takes a split second lapse of attention for an accident to occur. Drivers should avoid these tendencies.
Steering One-Handed: Myths vs. Reality
There are some common misconceptions around one-handed steering. Let’s examine if they hold up:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| It’s no big deal on straight roads | Even on straight roads, quick reactions may be needed from wheeling wildlife or car emergencies. Two hands are still safer. |
| People drive one-handed all the time | Just because many people do it does not make it a good practice. It still carries unnecessary risk. |
| It leaves a hand free for other tasks | Focus should remain on steering. Brief one-hand moments may be necessary but driving should be prioritized. |
| One is enough if you’re a great driver | Even professional race car drivers require two hands much of the time. No one has perfect reflexes. |
| Cars have power steering now | While power steering reduces effort, it does not improve control. Hand positioning remains crucial. |
The realities show steering with both hands is wise despite these prevalent myths. Don’t buy into false confidence.
Laws on Steering
Most states legally require drivers to keep one or both hands on the wheel:
| State | Law Summary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | At least one hand on wheel at all times |
| Alaska | Two hands on wheel required when driving on mountain highway |
| Arkansas | At least one hand on wheel, unless signaling |
| California | Drivers must have at least one hand on wheel |
| Colorado | Both hands required when approaching intersection |
| Connecticut | At least one hand required on wheel |
There are some minor variations, but almost all states mandate at least one hand remain on the wheel. Violating this can earn you fines and points on your license in many areas.
Are New Vehicles Changing Things?
With the rise of semi-autonomous vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance features, are two hands on the wheel still as necessary? The short answer is yes:
- No full self-driving yet – Vehicles still require human attentiveness and fallback control.
- Technology not perfect – Systems still fail, so drivers cannot tune out.
- Laws haven’t caught up – Hands on wheel are still legally mandated.
- Blind curve capability – Sensors cannot see around blind curves and require steering.
Until fully autonomous cars with redundancy are perfected, licensed to operate unattended, and laws are updated, two hands on the wheel remains the wisest approach for safety.
Tips for Keeping Both Hands on the Wheel
Here are some tips to train yourself and form the habit of keeping two hands on the steering wheel while driving:
- Posture – Sit up straight so you can easily reach wheel with arms extended.
- Awareness – Stay conscious of hand position and catching yourself putting a hand down.
- 9 and 3 – Maintain this hand position whenever possible.
- Limit distractions – Avoid fiddling with controls and stay off your phone.
- Passengers – Ask them to help with music, navigation, etc. to keep hands free.
- Long drives – Make a conscious effort to keep both hands up for safety on extended trips when boredom sets in.
Teaching New Drivers
For those who are just learning to drive, it is especially critical to instill the habit of proper hand positioning from the very start. As instructors, make sure to:
- Demonstrate – Show new drivers the right grip and hand placement.
- Explain importance – Educate on why two hands are critical for control before bad habits form.
- Give reminders – Provide prompts to get their hands back on the wheel until it becomes natural.
- Lead by example – Keep your own hands positioned properly when in the passenger seat.
Starting new drivers off with the mindset that two hands stay on the wheel at all times will pay dividends down the road in building experience.
Conclusion
Driving with two hands on the wheel at all times, especially when turning, provides critical control, stability, and safety benefits. While brief one-handed moments are sometimes unavoidable, they should be strictly minimized. Systems like blinkers and wipers can be operated quickly with a hand then immediately returned to the wheel. Outside of shallow, uncongested turns on straight roads, there is rarely a good reason to completely let go of the wheel with both hands during operation. Keeping one at 9 o’clock and the other at 3 o’clock should become habitual. This allows you to respond and adjust quickly to anything that may appear in your path. While new technology continues to evolve, human attentiveness and physical steering ability remains essential. The safest approach is to always keep two hands firmly on the wheel.