Two Car Tips (Page 2): Yes! I've been doing that for years. I don't even have to count anymore.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jgunkler wrote:

Here's a simpler way to teach safe following distance. It's the same no matter what your speed.

Watch the car in front pass some point you can keep your eye on (a road sign, crack or flaw in the road, etc.) and then count slowly "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If your car does not pass the identified point by then you're at a safe following distance.

Yes! I've been doing that for years. I don't even have to count anymore.

pilgrim1951 Loc: New Jersey

I drove tractor-trailers through the five boroughs and Long Island for ten years. Then when I started driving a wealthy "principle" I took driver-training courses for anti-terrorism and kidnapping prevention. Part of this included police driver training instruction. I am able to do 180 degree turns both going forward and reverse (Bootlegger and J-Turn). The ten and two is the correct way to hold the wheel, whether it is comfortable or not. Why do you think modern steering wheels have the "bumps" right there to make a better grip? Just saying.

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 position... (show quote)

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

daldds wrote:

I read something last year that nine and three is ... (show quote)

On most steering wheels, the 9 - 3 position has the horn and steering wheel mounted controls assembly, which precludes actually gripping the wheel rim.

Stan

daldds Loc: NYC

jgunkler wrote:

Here's a simpler way to teach safe following distance. It's the same no matter what your speed.

Watch the car in front pass some point you can keep your eye on (a road sign, crack or flaw in the road, etc.) and then count slowly "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If your car does not pass the identified point by then you're at a safe following distance.

That works well for highways. But for a new driver, or reminding an experienced driver, even slow speed-school zones, for example have the same reaction time. So when a child jumps out between two parked cars, and you're going 20 mph, in 1/3 of a second you've gone 10 feet before can BEGIN to steer away or brake.
It is not easy being an excellent driver. In one's attention wanders at slow speed for even 1 second, it could be a regrettable second.

olddutch Loc: Beloit, Wisconsin

Good tips to help us all see 2023. Thank you Jerry. & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 position... (show quote)

Unfortunately some steering wheels don't lend themselves to 9 and 3, or 4 and 8, because of the spokes being it the way.. No way to wrap your fingers around the wheel.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

daldds wrote:

That works well for highways. But for a new driver, or reminding an experienced driver, even slow speed-school zones, for example have the same reaction time. So when a child jumps out between two parked cars, and you're going 20 mph, in 1/3 of a second you've gone 10 feet before can BEGIN to steer away or brake.
It is not easy being an excellent driver. In one's attention wanders at slow speed for even 1 second, it could be a regrettable second.

As I said above, once you get used to a new hand position - anywhere - that becomes your go-to position for emergencies. I don't feel comfortable with my hands at 10 and 2 now.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Marionsho wrote:

Unfortunately some steering wheels don't lend themselves to 9 and 3, or 4 and 8, because of the spokes being it the way.. No way to wrap your fingers around the wheel.

Maybe they'll make the spokes moveable.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 position... (show quote)

Your second suggestion comes from Holland where it is called “the Dutch Cross” and helps direct your vision in the direction of the outside driver’s rear view mirror.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PhotogHobbyist wrote:

Your second suggestion comes from Holland where it is called “the Dutch Cross” and helps direct your vision in the direction of the outside driver’s rear view mirror.

Correct - narrow roads and lots of bicycles.

One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 position... (show quote)

Years ago I had a defective airbag on the passenger side that seemed to be deployed all the time. I finally fixed it by getting a new one. The new one proved to be much better looking and a hell of a lot more fun.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

One Rude Dawg wrote:

Years ago I had a defective airbag on the passenger side that seemed to be deployed all the time. I finally fixed it by getting a new one. The new one proved to be much better looking and a hell of a lot more fun.

I've known airbags like that.

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 position... (show quote)

I completed the Richard Petty Driving School at Las Vega Motor Speedway in 1998. It was a two day course. The first thing they taught us was hands at 10 and 4 position and not to wrap the thumbs around the wheel. Of course that is for driving on an oval racetrack. That protects the fingers. Hands at 8 and 4 for regular driving is the most uncomfortable position for me and most people. I am more comfortable at the 10 and 2 position. BTW, my top speed at driving school was 165mph!

JoeBiker Loc: homebase: Houston, TX

daldds wrote:

I read something last year that nine and three is safer than 10 and two. Can’t remember the source.

The change occurred when air bags became prevalent. You now need your hands lower than 10 and 2 so the air bag explodes above your hands. Control of the car is probably still better at 10 and 2, but would you remember move your hands before a crash? Professional race car drivers are trained to cross their hands over their chest just prior to the crash (watch the cockpit cameras).

alawry Loc: Timaru New Zealand

The door opening trick had a name. Dutch cross our something. No. Dutch Reach I looked it up.