When driving in a vehicle equipped with airbags, where is it safest to place your hands on the steering wheel?

Placing your hands on the steering wheel at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions is considered the safest option when driving a vehicle equipped with airbags. This hand positioning allows for better control of the vehicle while minimizing the risk of injury from airbag deployment. In the event of a collision, airbags deploy rapidly, and having your hands in this position helps reduce the chances of them making contact with your face or arms, which can lead to serious injuries.

The 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, while common and providing good control, still place your arms closer to the potential path of a deploying airbag. The 12 o'clock position is not recommended either, as it places your hands directly in line with the airbag's deployment zone. Finally, the 6 o'clock position is impractical for steering and control while driving. Therefore, the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions strike the best balance between control and safety.