Most cars have grab handles everywhere

Grab handles, also called assist grips, mount on the ceiling above side seats. But many cars skip the one above the driver's seat, leaving just a divot.

It's not a manufacturing mistake

This isn't an oversight. Automakers deliberately decide where to place assist grips based on how each seat is used and the vehicle's interior design.

Handles support seated passengers only

Mazda and Toyota say assist grips support a person while seated and the vehicle is moving. Since drivers are already seated, they may not need this support.

“can be used to support your body while sitting on the seat”

Never use them to enter or exit

Grab handles aren't designed to hold your full body weight. Mazda warns they could break under heavy load, causing injury when getting in or out of the car.

“An assist grip could break under a heavy load resulting in injury”

Don't grab the steering wheel instead

Without a driver-side handle, don't pull on the steering wheel when entering or exiting. The steering system isn't designed to handle force in that direction.

Airbags aren't the real reason

Many vehicles have both assist grips and curtain airbags in the same area. But hanging heavy objects from grips is dangerous during airbag deployment.