What is the safest drop bar position on descents?
 

When I decend, I best feel in control with my hands on the hoods. But I do feel like my hands can be bounced off the bars by any roughness I hit on the way down - especially if it is a surprise. I usually sit upright to grab some wind to help slow me down. Is this good technique, or should I be in the hooks with fingers on brakes for speed control, and body laid out flat to brace myself incase I need to brake suddenly, so I don't go o'er the bars?

I just feel like my hands could get thrown off the hoods- followed by me off the bike - if I hit a rough patch fast and start bouncing. Thanks for any advice.

Position one cruising a decent, hands on hoods, fingers one and two on brake lever finger three wrapped around to meet thumb. Fast areo decent hands in drops in the curve behind brakes fingers covering the levers. Works for me anyway.

You have the most control over the bike and brakes. If you don't feel confident in the drops, ride em more!

Wherever you feel confident for the speed, surface and your level of experience. Trust your judgement and hunches. Dont go faster than your abilities for safety sake. There are always the unforeseen gremlins that can jump out in front of you :D

However, dont let fear hold you back from a good descent if you are continually pressing for a better personal best on a local TT run.

(I'm assuming you are progressing in your riding in the drops as much as possible)

If it's shallow and you aren't going too fast, on the hoods is fine.

Otherwise, riding in drops is generally considered better. You can scoot your butt behind the seat for better braking.

Lifting your head/chest to slow down is completely fine.

The issue with the drops is that people (typically) never ride there, which means they are uncomfortable when they "need" to use the drops.

Try using the drops more when the riding is simple (you'll travel a bit faster too!).

If you're descending at speed, get in the drops. Your centre of gravity is lower and you are more fully in control of the bike.

Safest? Having a roadside picnic enjoying lunch and the view.

It doesn't take long to become comfortable descending in the drops and it is a skill worth developing. On a long descent, your hands can become very tired trying to brake from the hoods.