Heard somewhere that, when off-roading, you shouldn't wrap your thumbs around the back of the steering wheel in case it jerks suddenly and you end up with broken thumbs....is that a load or is there any merit to it?

 

It does jerk back at times, but I doubt it would be enough to break my thumbs. Regardless, I keep my thumbs out of the spokes while I wheel.

 

Not sure that is true with modern power steering systems. I know that driving old tractors and even trucks with out power steering can jerk back enough to make it hurt.

 

I know from experience when you do a J Turn in a Impala unmarked police car you just got the day before and hit a curb relocating the left wheel under the "new" car. Hurts the hell out of your thumb if its in the wheel!!! But that's a story from another day!

 

Thumbs on top, or on the outside is always a good habit. Probably a bigger issue when the front locker is on creating more force.

 

When I wheel with others one of the first reminders on the CB sent is remember keep your thumbs out of the steering wheel. Learned this from my club and if you hit something and wheel spins it can hurt like hell.

Those with experience know these things so we need to share with those who don't know.

 

Yep. "Thumbs up" is the rule especially in rocks or ruts that can grab a tire and snap the wheel. I've seen some sprains happen.

 

My first defensive driving class (x-LEO) was taught with thumbs in (around the wheel) all the classes after that were thumbs out. Makes sense...the wheel or airbag won't hurt them.

 

Newer trucks with power steering aren't nearly as bad, but it can still happen, especially in rocks, and deep ruts. I caught my thumb on the steering wheel once in an old Army 2 1/2 ton cargo truck, that was enough for me.

 

The front left tire on my old CJ5 hit a big snow berm....I was just in the driveway goin' slow too. No power steering here. The steering wheel jerked from my hands, and somehow, can't remember, the little finger on my left hand got caught........SNAP!!! It broke the bone in my hand REAL easy. I heard the snap, but didn't realize it, till my brain told my stomach it was time to puke. Didn't puke but it was close.....cold sweats and all.