Collision Solutions

Two Most Common Driving Fables

Who taught you how to drive? Was it a driving school or did they instruct you in high school or did a relative teach you how? If you were taught how to drive from a parent or an uncle or aunt, for example, that may taught you a few things that are patently wrong or no longer applicable. These are driving tips that are always well-intentioned, but many of them could cause you to get a ticket or even into an accident.

Here are the two most common driving fables out there right now, brought to you by Collision Solutions:

Myth #1: Place your hands at 10 and 2 and you'll be cool.

My mother told me to place my hands on the wheel at the 10 and 2 positions on a clock many years ago, but I’m more of a single-handed, 12 o’clock type of operator, I told her. But, she insisted and today I drive that way.

What's the truth? Prior to the existence of power steering, the now famous 10 and 2 piece of driving advice was 100% correct. But driving experts now tell us that holding on at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions are preferred.  By positioning your hands at 9 and 3, it enables the driver an overall greater range of motion. In addition, it will give you the ability to maneuver quickly without having to take your hands off the wheel. So, the old 10 and 2 is dead, so day hello to the new way, which is a safer and saner approach at 9 and 3.

Myth #2: Speeding only 10 miles over the line is just fine.

My father taught me that you’re safe from a ticket if you drive less than 10 mph over the limit. But when I got a ticket one day for driving 5 over the limit, that little piece of family advice went through the window.

What's the truth? Anytime you’re operating a vehicle over the speed limit, you can get a ticket. The speed limit posted is to protect you as well as other drivers and pedestrians alike. If we did not have speed limits in Baton Rouge and throughout the entire state of LA, we'd all be in danger on the road. When speeding laws are fully enforced, drivers slow down, which in turn saves lives, and hit has been proven time and time again. So, exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph isn't going to protect you from getting tickets and that's why following them to the letter is the smartest way to go.

Sources: Motor Authority, AOL and USA Today