When driving an airbag-equipped vehicle, how far should you sit from the steering wheel?

Sitting at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel in an airbag-equipped vehicle is crucial for safety. This distance helps to ensure that if the airbag deploys during a collision, there is sufficient space to minimize the risk of injury. Airbags deploy with great force and speed, and being too close can result in serious injuries to the driver or front-seat passenger, especially in the event of a crash.

Maintaining this distance allows the airbag to inflate properly and provides a buffer that reduces the potential for contact with the steering wheel or dashboard. The 10-inch guideline is a standard recommended by safety experts to ensure that occupants are far enough away to avoid injury while still being close enough to maintain proper control of the vehicle.

Other options suggest greater distances which, while they might seem safer, could hinder the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle effectively and reach necessary controls comfortably. It’s essential to balance safety with control when driving.