When I first learned to drive, I was taught to look at my steering wheel like a clock and put my hands at 10 and at 2. Who knew all these years later I was driving wrong? Recent research has shown this is dangerous in most used cars. Today’s vehicles all come with airbags which if were to deploy in an accident could force your arms into your face causing you injuries which could be fatal.

Once upon a time vehicles didn’t have power steering. Today’s vehicles all come with power steering, so the 10 and 2 practice has become obsolete. AAA suggests that you put your hands at 8 and 4 or 3 and 9.

Now that you are holding your steering wheel properly, here’s some advice on how to stay safe while driving, because you wouldn’t want to pay for another auto loan right?

• Watch the weather – Use a defroster if it is raining or snowing.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Break gently and slowly
• Give yourself plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. All wheel drive does not make you invincible to sliding off the road.
• Don’t drive drowsy
• Put down the phone, put down the burger. Texting is one of the leading driver distractions. Use a wireless Bluetooth or simply wait until you can safely pull over to make the call. Eating and driving is also dangerous and should be avoided.
• Wear your seatbelt- if not for you, do it so your body doesn’t fly out of the car and kill someone
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Poorly inflated tires can cause you to lose control of your vehicle