In a vehicle equipped with airbags, a driver:
Answers
Should adjust their steering wheel to tilt downward.
Does not need to wear a seat belt.
Can drive 10 mph over the speed limit.
Should sit as close to the steering wheel as is comfortable.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Should adjust their steering wheel to tilt downward.
Explanation:
Airbags are an important safety feature in modern vehicles designed to protect occupants during a collision by inflating rapidly to cushion and prevent serious injuries. However, to maximize their effectiveness and minimize potential injury, certain precautions must be taken by the driver.
Adjusting the steering wheel: One of the most crucial safety measures is ensuring that the steering wheel is positioned correctly. The steering wheel should be tilted downward, ideally so that it points at or slightly below the driver’s chest, rather than directly at the head or face. This positioning helps prevent serious injuries during deployment. If the steering wheel is too high, the force of the airbag deploying can push the driver’s head and upper body backward or forward in a way that can cause serious injury to the face, neck, or chest. An optimal steering wheel adjustment can enhance the protective benefit of the airbag during a crash.
Seat belt use: Drivers should always wear a seat belt, regardless of airbag presence. Seat belts help keep the occupant in the optimal position for the airbag to work effectively and prevent ejection from the vehicle during a collision. Airbags are meant to work in tandem with seat belts, not replace them.
Speed limit and safe driving: Airbags do not give drivers the freedom to exceed speed limits or drive recklessly. Safety devices like airbags are designed to mitigate injury in the event of an accident but do not counteract the dangers of excessive speed or unsafe driving behavior.
Proximity to the steering wheel: The driver should not sit too close to the steering wheel. Being too close increases the risk of injury when the airbag deploys, as the sudden inflation can cause severe damage when it strikes a body that is too near.
In conclusion, adjusting the steering wheel downward, wearing a seat belt, and sitting at a safe distance from the airbag are essential practices for vehicle safety.