Hand-over-hand steering is a driving technique used for making turns, especially sharper ones, ensuring smooth control and minimizing wheel movement. It involves a coordinated transfer of grip between hands on the steering wheel.
The Technique
-
Grip: Begin with your hands positioned at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions (or 8 and 4 for slightly more comfort) on the steering wheel.
-
Initiate Turn: As you initiate the turn, firmly grip the wheel with both hands.
-
Hand Movement: As the wheel turns, your lead hand will guide the movement. Once your lead hand reaches the top or bottom of the steering wheel, your other hand will cross over it to take over the steering. This "hand over hand" action allows for continuous, controlled movement of the wheel.
-
Maintain Grip: Always maintain a firm but not tense grip on the steering wheel with at least one hand. The video demonstration emphasizes maintaining visual awareness of the road while steering. See this video for a visual demonstration.
-
Completion: As you complete the turn, smoothly return your hands to the 9 and 3 (or 8 and 4) positions.
Example: To turn left, your left hand initiates the turn. As your left hand reaches the bottom of the wheel, your right hand crosses over to guide the remaining turn. This process is reversed for right turns.
Important Considerations:
- Some driving instructors advocate for "push-pull" steering instead of hand-over-hand, depending on local regulations and personal preferences. This Reddit thread discusses the debate between hand-over-hand and push-pull steering.
- Always maintain a safe following distance and observe traffic laws.
- Practice this technique in a safe, controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot, before attempting it on the road.
