Do you think it’s okay to keep one hand on the wheel and the other out the window? Think.
- You have to drive with both hands on the steering wheel at all times
- Driving with one hand limits your ability to control the car
- There are fines and penalties, all over Australia
In fact, think twice before you reach into the passenger’s footrest to get your bag. Or touch the media screen to change the map view. Or basically doing anything that requires you to take one hand off the wheel.
That’s because, across Australia, the rules are essentially the same. You should have both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Now, that’s a big should. Because obviously you have to let go of one hand to adjust the windshield wipers, or turn on the headlights, shift gears, change the radio, adjust the air conditioning, or do any other simple, mundane thing that doesn’t work. We all do it dozens of times when we drive without even knowing it.
You control what the car does with your hands and feet, right? So it makes perfect sense for the law to be there to give you as much control over the vehicle as possible.
By keeping both of your hands on the wheel, at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions (or 10 and 2, depending on your age and the age of your teacher), and with the backs of your hands facing each other. . you (so you don’t grip the steering wheel from ‘behind’), you’ll have better control.
The reason for such hand positioning is that you could essentially be worse off in an accident if you don’t keep the steering wheel in place.
If you hold the steering wheel with your hands, you could break your wrist or dislocate your shoulder in an accident. The safest thing you can do is hold the wheel properly and keep your hands on the rim as much as possible.
If you’ve watched the racing series Supercars, you’ll see that some drivers put their hands on the gear lever for quite a while – but they’re professional drivers and you don’t (usually) see them waving. hands reaching out the window (unless they win a race) or reaching for their phone… this is also illegal.
Assuming you are partially incapacitated – perhaps you have injured or broken a finger, hand, wrist or arm – you should see your GP before you leave. They may let you drive, or they may tell you to take the bus.
If you are found to be driving with one hand without a valid reason, you could be fined or fined, depending on the state and circumstances. It’s also a pretty good shot — between $425 and $531, not to mention 3 to 4 minuses.
And guess? If you have any part of your body on the outside of your car – such as your right arm sticking out of the window while you are driving – you may have to appear in court and a magistrate may apply. use penalties in excess of $2200 in NSW.
There are also examples of motorists being fined for this in other states – a Victorian man was fined $155 for swinging his arm out a window while driving. The fine is now a $165 spot penalty in Vic.
Suffice it to say, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road will help you drive safer.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
