Where should the right hand be positioned when steering?

Positioning the right hand at the 3 o'clock position on the steering wheel is widely regarded as the ideal grip for bus drivers, providing optimal control and safety. This hand placement allows for maximum leverage and stability when navigating turns, contributing to better vehicle handling. Additionally, keeping the right hand at 3 o'clock helps maintain a balanced and steady grip on the wheel, minimizing the risk of oversteering.

In this position, the driver can also easily operate secondary controls like the turn signals or windshield wipers, without disrupting their steering control. This placement is particularly important in a school bus scenario, where the driver must remain vigilant and ready to react to any unexpected situations, such as a child crossing the street or other obstacles.

Positioning the hand higher on the wheel, such as at the 2 o'clock, 4 o'clock, or 5 o'clock positions, may compromise control and reaction time, which is why the 3 o'clock position is emphasized for steering safety and effectiveness.