Abstract
Research indicates the risk of serious injury from an inflating airbag for belted drivers is very low if there is a clearance of 10 in. (25.4 cm) or more between the center of the steering wheel and the center of drivers' chests. The current study examines driver seating positions, in particular drivers' proximity to steering wheels. This study estimates about 5% of the U.S. female population sits closer than 10 in. (25.4 cm) from the steering wheel. This percentage increases to 35% for female drivers shorter than 60.5 in. (1.54 m) (the smallest 10% of the female population). Of the females sitting closer than 10 in. (25.4 cm), 66% sit within 9-10 in. (22.9-25.4 cm), and 17% sit within 8-9 in. (20.3-22.9 cm). In a separate study, both female and male drivers sitting within 9-10 in. (22.9-25.4 cm) were able to increase this distance to 10 in. (25.4 cm) or more and still drive comfortably in a number of cars (representing various car sizes) by making a few minor seating adjustments.
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