Holding car keys in hand can make you a target for theft. If a thief sees your keys, they might be tempted to snatch them, gaining quick access to your vehicle.
Carrying keys in your hand increases the risk of accidentally dropping or misplacing them.
Having keys in your hand can be distracting, especially when you're trying to juggle other tasks.
Modern car keys often have remote functions, and holding them in hand increases the chance of accidentally pressing buttons, potentially unlocking your car or opening the trunk.
In an emergency, you might need your hands free to defend yourself or assist others. Holding keys can limit your ability to react quickly.
If you fall or are involved in an altercation, holding keys can lead to hand injuries, as the keys may jab into your palm or fingers.
For these reasons, it’s generally safer and more practical to keep your car keys in a pocket or bag until you need them.