Are traditional steering wheel hand positions like 10:00/2:00 still considered acceptable with the use of airbags?

The typical hand positions on the steering wheel of 10:00 and 2:00 are no longer recommended due to safety considerations involving airbags. When an airbag deploys, it releases with a significant amount of force, aimed towards the driver’s face and upper body. If a driver has their hands positioned at these traditional points, there is a higher risk of injury to the arms and hands if the airbag deploys.

Modern recommendations advise drivers to keep their hands at the 9:00 and 3:00 positions. This position not only offers better control of the vehicle but also minimizes the risk of injury from an airbag deployment. Keeping hands at these lower positions allows for a better alignment with the airbag's trajectory, thereby enhancing safety for the driver.

While traditional positions might have been deemed acceptable in the past, safety advances such as the widespread use of airbags necessitate updated practices to ensure the driver's safety in the event of a collision.