What is recommended hand positioning when an airbag is present in the steering wheel?

• A. 12 and 6
• B. 9 and 3
• C. 3 and 9
• D. 8 and 4

Answer: (B)

When a steering wheel has an airbag, the safest and most effective hand position is at the sides of the wheel, around the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. This places your hands out of the airbag’s direct deployment path and gives you the best leverage to steer quickly and accurately. Your arms stay in a natural, relaxed angle with wrists lightly bent, so you can react to hazards without crossing your arms.

Choosing the top and bottom positions would put your hands directly in line with the airbag’s path, increasing the risk of injury if it deploys and reducing your ability to guide the wheel smoothly. The 8 and 4 option can be awkward for steering and isn’t the standard guidance for vehicles with airbags. So, 9 and 3 is the recommended setup.