Where should your hands be positioned on the steering wheel when it has an airbag?

The safest position for your hands on the steering wheel when it has an airbag is at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. This positioning helps to maintain control of the vehicle while also reducing the risk of injury if the airbag deploys. When your hands are placed at 9 and 3, they are positioned away from the airbag, which deploys upwards towards the driver’s face in a collision.

In contrast to other options, positioning your hands at 10 and 2 can be too high, increasing the risk of being struck by the airbag. Holding the wheel at the bottom can impair control and responsiveness. Meanwhile, having your hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel might not provide the necessary leverage for effective steering, especially in emergency maneuvers. The 9 and 3 o'clock positions strike a balance between control, comfort, and safety, making them the recommended placement for driving with an airbag-equipped vehicle.