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Difficulty: MediumSteering Techniques

When maintaining a proper two-handed grip on the steering wheel of a commercial motor vehicle, a driver should keep their thumbs resting along the outside of the steering wheel rim rather than locked around the inside of the rim.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True. Commercial drivers should rest their thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel rim to avoid severe injury from steering wheel kickback.
The statement is true because commercial vehicles generate immense steering feedback when traversing uneven pavement, ruts, or road hazards. Positioning thumbs along the outside of the rim maintains a firm grip while preventing serious bone fractures and sprains from sudden wheel kickback.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze standard commercial vehicle steering wheel grip requirements.
CDL safety standards require maintaining a firm, two-handed grip on opposite sides of the wheel at all times.
Firm hand positioning ensures full vehicle control and readiness to counter sudden road irregularities or emergencies.
2
Evaluate the mechanical hazard of steering wheel kickback.
When heavy front tires impact chuckholes, ruts, or curbs, substantial rotational force transfers directly back up the steering column.
This sudden rotational snap forces the spokes and rim to spin violently before the driver can react.
3
Determine the correct thumb placement relative to the wheel rim.
Thumbs must rest along the outside of the rim or face of the wheel, never hooked inside the rim or spokes.
Placing thumbs outside the rim allows the wheel to move without fracturing or catching the thumbs during sudden kickback.

Key Concept

Proper hand grip and thumb placement to prevent kickback injuries and maintain vehicle control
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Steering Techniques

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