Vehicle Controls and Ergonomics
When One-Handed Driving Is Unavoidable, and When It Is Genuinely Risky
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Brief one-handed moments for signalling or shifting are a normal, unavoidable part of driving, but extended one-handed driving caused by holding a phone or food is a different, genuinely risky situation.
Not all one-handed driving is equally risky - the difference comes down to why one hand leaves the wheel and for how long.
Brief and Necessary Moments
Signalling, adjusting a mirror, or shifting gears all require briefly using one hand, and returning to a full two-handed grip on the wheel immediately afterward keeps this low-risk.
When One-Handed Driving Becomes Risky
Holding a phone, food, or drink for an extended period removes both a hand and attention at the same time, a very different situation from a brief, necessary adjustment.
Why the Distinction Matters
Recognizing the difference helps avoid unnecessary anxiety over normal brief moments while still taking the genuinely risky, extended version seriously, connecting to the broader idea of manual attention.