Observation #4 - Handedness
Jun 11th, 2009 by Alex
When I eat in the car while driving — admittedly not a great idea in general — I use my left hand to steer. It feels more natural than my right hand, which is odd because I’m right-handed. Common sense would recommend using your dominant hand to perform the more important function; it’s definitely more important to stay on the road that keep a solid grip on that burger. But human nature seems to take over in this case, bucking common sense.
I agree it is kinda weird. I always steer my car with my left hand, even though I am right handed. I feel weird if I steer with my right. Maybe it has something to do with driving and learning to drive on a standard transmission?
Jordan: I wonder if you’d eat with your right hand if you grew up in Europe, shifting with your left. I learned on an automatic, myself.
You use your left hand for the turn signal. If ate with your left hand you’d have a harder time activating it. Subconsciously you’re making yourself a better driver.