Friday, August 10, 2007

Analysis of driving techniques

As I was cruising around the uber-humid midstate Pennsylvania roads yesterday, I suddenly took notice (thanks to questions from my curious preschooler) of my hand positioning on the wheel.


Though I was taught to drive at "10" and "2" (as if the driver's wheel were a clock), I more often hold the wheel at "8" and "6". Sometimes, it's "11" and "5 1/2". Occasionally, it's one-handed (right hand 80% of the time) at the bottom of the wheel. (FYI--my hands are always positioned "overhand" rather than "underhand" on the wheel.)


Anyway, in my heat-induced craze, I started to wonder what someone could infer about me based on my wheel positioning preferences.


My dime-store analysis (worth about as a much as a stuffed toy you'd win from a greasy carny at the local fair) is that:


- I'm a bit inconsistent.
- I'm flexible.
- I think way too much about mundane things.


In any case, I'm asking for your insights:


How do you hold the wheel when you drive, and what do you think that says about you?

4 comments:

Jennifer said...

I'm so sorry, but I have to go with the mundane choice. I don't even think I could tell you what I do... Um, you know I think I drive with my hands both up high because once in a while I do notice (mundane can be ok) and always feel like a little old lady. That's funny your little would ask about that.

Nita said...

Interesting observation. I didn't think my kids paid attention to how we drove. Your blog got me to thinking. My kids all drive like their dad, one hand, usually left on top of steering wheel, the boys stretch their right arm across the seat. My daughter rests her hand on the gear shift. I don't think I have one way I drive. Might be way they didn't copy me.

SzélsőFa said...

I don't have a driver's license, but I'd think I'd place my hands into one of the following positions:
- '8' and '4'
- '9' and right hand on that stick in between the two front seats
- I would like to have a safe grip, but then, I would loosen it to the extent of almost not-touching-it.

What dou you say?

The Quoibler said...

Jennifer ~ You are so NOT a "little old lady", though. Maybe it's a comfort thing or the length of your arms? I'm pretty short, so perhaps taller folks (if you're taller... I can't tell by the quick photo on your blog!) have an easier time reaching the 10 and 2 positions!

Nita ~ My son catches EVERYTHING and always has. He's quite observant, and it's been very helpful for me from a writing perspective. Did your kids' dad teach them to drive? That might be why they drive like he does...

Szelsofa ~ Fascinating! I think you sound creative from your suggestions on where you'd place your hands if you had a driver's license!