Why are traditional steering wheel hand positions like 10:00/2:00 no longer acceptable?

The use of traditional steering wheel hand positions such as 10:00 and 2:00 is no longer recommended primarily because of the safety risks associated with airbags. In the event of a collision, airbags deploy rapidly, and if a driver's hands are positioned at these higher positions on the steering wheel, the force of an deploying airbag can result in serious injury to the driver's face or arms. The move towards a position that aligns more closely with the 9:00 and 3:00 positions is aimed at improving safety by reducing the possibility of injury during an accident, particularly from the explosive deployment of the airbag. This positioning allows for better control while also minimizing the risk of contact with the airbag.