If you learned to drive before 2012, chances are good that you were taught to keep your hands at the 10 and 2 positions on the steering wheel. For years, it was the gold standard in driving instruction. But much like other outdated driving advice, that technique may do more harm than good today.
Our San Antonio car accident attorneys represent people who have been seriously hurt in crashes, and we understand how seemingly small driving habits can make a big difference in a crash.
Due to Texas’s comparative negligence laws, the more you can be found at fault for an accident, the less insurance companies will have to pay you—up to nothing at all. Insurance companies will often leap on any opportunity to find fault in any misguided actions, even if they were well intentioned.
Let’s break down why the 10 and 2 steering method is no longer recommended and share other common driving myths that could put you and others in danger. And if you need a San Antonio car accident attorney right away, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation.
Driving Myth #1: Hands at 10 and 2 is the safest way to hold the steering wheel
Fact: 10 and 2 can actually lead to serious injuries in a crash.
The idea behind the 10 and 2 hand position comes from a time before power steering was common. Back then, drivers needed more leverage to turn the wheel. Today, virtually all modern vehicles are equipped with power steering systems, so less physical force is required to maneuver a car.
The real danger with 10 and 2 comes into play during airbag deployment. Airbags deploy at speeds up to 200 mph. If your hands are positioned high on the wheel, they can be slammed directly into your face during a crash. This can cause serious injuries like broken arms, facial fractures, and even finger amputations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improper hand placement on the wheel during airbag deployment has led to serious injuries, especially when drivers use the 10 and 2 position.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) now recommends placing your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock or 8 and 4 o’clock on the steering wheel. These lower positions reduce the risk of injury and also help improve control, reduce fatigue, and support better reaction time.
Driving Myth #2: If you’re driving the speed limit, you’re always driving safely
Fact: Sometimes, the speed limit is too fast.
Speed limits are designed for optimal driving conditions: clear skies, dry roads, good visibility, and moderate traffic. But when conditions change, the law expects drivers to adjust accordingly.
Under Texas law, driving at or even below the posted speed limit can still be considered reckless or negligent if conditions warrant slower speeds. For example, if you’re driving 60 mph in heavy rain or fog and cause an accident, you may be held responsible for not reducing your speed.
Don’t assume that sticking to the speed limit automatically clears you of liability. Safe driving means adapting to the road conditions, weather, and surrounding traffic.
Driving Myth #3: You should always brake hard when hydroplaning
Fact: Braking during a hydroplane can make things worse.
Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose traction and slide uncontrollably on a wet surface. The instinct for many drivers is to hit the brakes hard, but that can actually make you lose even more control.
Instead, AAA recommends that drivers ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking. If you need to slow down, do so gradually.
Myth #4: Hands-free means risk-free
Fact: Distracted driving isn’t just about holding your phone.
Many people believe that as long as they’re using a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone, they’re not distracted. But studies have shown that even hands-free conversations can impair your reaction time and divert your attention from the road.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), hands-free phone use still causes cognitive distraction, meaning your brain is focused on the conversation, not on driving. Multitasking while driving increases your risk of a crash, even if your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road.
Myth #5: It’s safer to be thrown from a car in a crash than restrained by a seat belt
Fact: This is one of the most dangerous myths of all.
Believe it or not, some drivers still believe that being thrown from a car during a crash gives them a better chance of survival. The reality is that being ejected from a vehicle almost always results in catastrophic injuries or death.
The NHTSA estimates that seat belts save nearly 15,000 lives in the U.S. each year, but almost 2,500 more lives would have been saved if everyone had used them.
In Texas, wearing a seat belt is required by law no matter where you sit in the vehicle. Buckling up remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in a car accident.
Myth #6: Daytime running lights mean you don’t need headlights in bad weather
Fact: DRLs aren’t a substitute for headlights.
Daytime running lights are dim lights that automatically turn on when you start your car. While they can help other drivers see you during the day, they don’t activate your taillights and aren’t bright enough for low-visibility conditions.
In fog or rain, or at dusk, you should manually turn on your headlights so your taillights illuminate as well. This increases your visibility from both the front and rear of your vehicle, reducing the risk of being rear-ended.
Myth #7: You don’t need to see a doctor if you feel fine after a crash
Fact: Some injuries take hours or even days to show symptoms.
Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal bleeding might not cause immediate symptoms. You may walk away from a car crash feeling okay, only to wake up in pain the next day.
It’s always a good idea to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Prompt medical documentation also strengthens your personal injury claim by connecting the crash to your symptoms.
At Crosley Law, we’ve seen insurance companies try to argue that a client’s injuries weren’t caused by the accident simply because they didn’t go to the doctor right away. Don’t give them that opportunity.
RELATED: Delayed symptoms after a car accident could be a sign of serious injuries
Myth #8: The bigger vehicle is always at fault in a crash
Fact: Fault is based on behavior, not vehicle size.
It’s a common assumption that if a large SUV hits a smaller sedan, the SUV driver must have done something wrong. In reality, fault depends on negligent behavior, not size.
Investigators look at evidence like traffic signals, right-of-way rules, eyewitness statements, and crash reconstructions to determine who caused the collision. Don’t assume you’re automatically off the hook or automatically liable based on what you drive.
RELATED: Can you tell who was at fault in a car accident by the location of damage?
How Crosley Law helps after a car crash
Our team of San Antonio car accident attorneys has handled hundreds of serious car accident claims across Texas. We use advanced investigative techniques, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and work closely with medical specialists to understand how a crash affects lives.
We also stay ahead of dangerous driving myths and misinformation that could be used to shift blame onto you. If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence—whether they were texting and driving, driving too fast for conditions, or believing one of the myths above—you deserve an advocate who can uncover the truth and fight for you.
Injured in a car crash? Let Crosley Law help you set the record straight
Driving myths can cause serious accidents and sometimes make it harder to prove fault when something goes wrong. Don’t let outdated information or false assumptions stand in the way of getting justice.
Contact Crosley Law for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt in a car wreck. Our team is here to listen, investigate, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (210) 529-3000 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
