Driving Tips – Best Grip on the Steering Wheel

This article has been kindly shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. In this blog Alison focusses on a seemingly small detail that can make a big difference during long drives: the best grip on the steering wheel.

The way you place your hands on the wheel greatly impacts not only your driving safety but also your neck and shoulder comfort. Small adjustments in grip might feel insignificant, but over time, they can greatly reduce tension and discomfort.

The Optimal Grip for Comfort and Safety

Observe how your hands sit on the steering wheel. Notice your thumb placement. The difference between thumbs resting on top of the wheel or wrapped around it might not seem crucial, but the impact can be significant.

Image A Position – Thumbs on Top

• Why It’s Ideal This position allows your elbows to point downwards, placing your shoulders in a relaxed position and reducing jarring and vibration forces into your neck and shoulders. This not only enhances your comfort but also ensures better control of the vehicle. Bonus From a safety perspective, keeping your thumbs on top of the wheel can help prevent thumb injuries in a collision. Double win!

Image B Position – Thumbs Around

• Why It Can Cause Discomfort Here, your elbows are more likely to point outwards. Over time, this posture can place additional stress and vibration through your neck and shoulders, potentially leading to tension, discomfort, or even pain. For longer drives, this compounded strain can become a real issue.

Listen to Your Body’s Signals

Discomfort is your body’s early warning system, while pain is your body’s late warning sign. Unfortunately, most people ignore the former until it turns into the latter. The trick? Pay attention to the first signs of discomfort and make adjustments early. Here’s how you can address discomfort while driving: Adjust Position Experiment with your posture, seating, and grip on the steering wheel to find what feels most natural and comfortable. Take Breaks On long trips, make it a point to stop, stretch, and move around every couple of hours to relieve any tension. Stay Mindful Small tweaks, such as repositioning your hands or adjusting your seat height, can prevent strain and fatigue.