Proper hand position helps you control your bike during a ride. If you only ride in the hoods, consider incorporating the drops and tops. The drops offer the safest riding position, with the greatest leverage and stopping power, especially when riding at higher speeds, descending, and tackling a headwind. The tops give you better leverage on long, seated climbs and improves your breathing.
Watch RoadBikeReview's
video for helpful pointers (and a good chuckle at the snooty Euro narrator).