People only just realising what grab handles in car are actually for
People are only just realising what the grab handle in a car is for. Bright Side, a popular content creator with a hugely popular YouTube channel, revealed the true purpose of the handle in a video now viewed by millions of road users.
They said: "Above each car door you’ll usually find a handle. I call it the ‘oh no’ handle. It's there to give you something to hold onto when your grandma decides to go full NASCAR. These handles are actually especially useful, all jokes aside. A lot of people need a little extra help getting in and out of the car. As for why the driver's door usually doesn't have one, there are a couple of reasons.
“For one the steering wheel can function as a makeshift grab handle. Drivers might also be inclined to grab the handle while driving, not safe.” Driven Car Guide explained in a blog post: "One might wonder why the driver’s door often lacks a grab handle.
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"Some point out that the steering wheel can double as a makeshift handle, facilitating entry and exit. Moreover, a grab handle above the driver’s door would obstruct the driver’s path and potentially encourage steering with one hand, posing a safety hazard.
"In essence, grab handles are not merely relics of the past but are crucial for making car journeys more accessible and comfortable for all passengers. However, if your passengers seem to cling to these handles for dear life, it might be time to reflect on your driving habits."
The car grab handle is widely used to allow passengers to hold on in the event of abrupt movements. Handles are usually hard plastic with little-to-no give that would be lousy places for heads to hit in a crash. Handles need to be far enough away from occupants that their heads wouldn't come in contact in a crash.
Again, that means taller rooflines that are less aerodynamic.