Steering Your Way Out of a Crash

Driving a truck is both science and art. Driving a truck through an emergency situation requires mastery in both categories, especially when it comes to avoiding a crash. In most cases, you will have to make a choice between braking and steering your way out.

When travelling over 25 mph, it is usually better to opt for the steering option. This is because large trucks require a longer distance to come to a controlled stop, and the reaction time for swerving is faster than the reaction time for braking. However, good steering skills is a must.

This is why instructors advise drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel: they will need them for quickly turning the wheel one-half turn in one direction, then turning it back almost a full circle in the opposite direction to swerve around an object or vehicle. Maintaining control and returning to center steering as you continue moving will require two hands and plenty of focus.

You might have heard the old expression “hands at 10 and 2”, however, these days the DMV suggests keeping hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position or the 8 and 4 o’clock position, depending on which is more comfortable. The DMV also recommends keeping your thumbs along the face of the steering wheel instead of gripping the inside of the rim. The new guidelines were put in place to for three major reasons:

• You will be less likely to overcorrect during an emergency steering maneuver, which could cause you to spin out of control or run off the road.
• It is less likely the air bag will throw your arms and hands back into your face if you are involved in a crash.
• Your arms will be more comfortable and less fatigued during long drives. A 10 and 2 o’clock hand position is acceptable; however, if your air bag deploys, you are at risk of injury.