BOSTON -- When I was learning to drive -- back when gas was 50 cents a gallon -- it was drilled into my head that that proper hand position is at 10 and 2 o’clock on the steering wheel.

No more -- 10 and 2 is passé!

The hip, new driving position is now at 9 and 3 o’clock on the wheel. Some experts and police agencies actually recommend that you go lower still, down to 8 and 4, even 7 and 5.

The "I’m cool, one hand on top of the wheel, and cell phone in the other hand" position is absolutely out. That places your hand on the top half of the wheel.

The 10-2 position was historically considered the best because, in theory at least, it allowed a driver greater control if he needed to swerve.

Air bags have changed everything.

In a crash, the air bag explodes out at more than 100 mph. This protects the driver's head and chest from hitting the wheel or dashboard.

But if you have your hands at 10 and 2, the bag could hit your arms, which could then hit your face. So by driving with your hands on the top half of the wheel, not only do you risk additional injury to your face and head, but to your arms as well.

Jeff admits, after focusing on this new driving position for the last week or so, he actually found it quite comfortable once he got used to it.