Jesus bar

From the notions (1) that one is praying to Jesus for protection when the vehicle is moving recklessly enough to require use of the handle, and (2) that sometimes when a passenger grabs this handle, they are also exclaiming Jesus! in an interjectory way. Compare also Jesus clip, Jesus nut, and angel gear.

Jesus bar (plural Jesus bars)

1. A sturdy handle inside a vehicle designed to be held when the ride is bumpy.