Have you been driving for a few years or more in South Africa? Do you still pay attention to how you use your car’s steering wheel? Knowing how to use steering wheels properly is critical to road safety in South Africa. Whether navigating bustling urban streets or driving along remote rural roads, the skilful application of steering techniques is vital for ensuring the safety of drivers and all road users.
Understanding the Dynamics of Steering
At its core, steering is more than the simple act of directing a vehicle’s direction of travel. The surrounding environment needs to be factored in carefully, especially blind spots, areas that are not immediately visible all of the time. ¹
Proficient Hand Placement and Techniques
The way you position your hands on the steering wheel is important. Your hand placements on the steering wheel such as the “10 and 2 o’ clock” or “9 and 3 o’ clock” positions are recommended. Furthermore, hand-over-hand steering is a crucial skill in navigating sharp turns or circumventing obstacles on the road. ¹
The Importance of Visual Scanning
In addition to proper hand placement and steering techniques, motorists should always be aware of their surroundings to help them anticipate potential hazards well in advance, facilitating timely evasive action and accident prevention. ²
Meticulous Vehicle Maintenance
Beyond individual steering techniques, motorists should follow meticulous vehicle maintenance as well. Regular inspections and servicing of steering components, such as tie rods, ball joints, and steering linkages, are imperative in detecting potential issues before they escalate into safety hazards. ²
Embracing Defensive Driving Practices
Moreover, defensive driving practices complement proficient steering techniques in fortifying road safety measures. Defensive driving entails maintaining a proactive mindset, foreseeing potential hazards, and pre-emptively mitigating risks. ²
Cultivating a Safer Driving Environment
Therefore, the paramount importance of proper steering wheel utilization in safeguarding road safety cannot be overstated. Through continuous education, practice, and adherence to best practices, drivers can play a pivotal role in reducing accidents, preserving lives, and cultivating a culture of responsible driving.
Disclaimer:
The article aims to provide South African motorists with everything they need about steering.
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
- https://qiktruck.co.za/blog/the-importance-of-proper-steering-techniques-for-road-safety.html
- https://qiktruck.co.za/blog/the-importance-of-proper-use-of-steering-wheels-for-road-safety.html