Steering safely: the most overlooked driving skill
Steering safely is one fundamental skill that people learn when studying how to drive, and is perhaps the skill that most people associate with operating a vehicle. Just ask anybody to act out driving—chances are, they’d hold their hands up in the air and pretend to steer an imaginary steering wheel.
Because it looks really simple, many drivers often pay no importance to steering safely. But don’t make that mistake; virtually all the other driving skills like parking, cornering, and overtaking rely heavily on one’s ability to steer in a fluid but precise manner.
In order to be able to have control of the car, the driver must be sitting in the correct comfortable position in relation to his size. Adjust your seat so that you may rest your hands comfortably on the steering wheel. Sitting too far back will force you to stretch your arms out that they’d tire easily, while sitting too near will leave little space for your arms to move—a dangerous situation be in when faced with challenging driving conditions.
When turning, your hand which is in the direction you are going should pull down while the other hand allows the wheel to pass through. When driving on rough terrain, the other hand can help by pushing the wheel upward to steer safely. Avoid crossing your arms over one another, as this limits your ability to adjust quickly.
When transferring from one lane to another, or when pulling in after overtaking, the turn should be gradual and never a sudden swerve which may result in skidding.
Always keep your eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel. Don’t forget to use your turn signals.
Drive safely!
Sources:
Steering clear of trouble
Stopping and Steering are Keys to Driving Safely
'10 and 2' no longer a safe way to hold steering wheel By Scott Gutierez