What is the required clearance for steering wheel airbags?

The required clearance for steering wheel airbags is 10 inches. This distance is important to ensure that there is adequate space for the airbag to deploy safely and effectively in the event of a collision. If the clearance is insufficient, it can lead to serious injury to the driver or passenger, as the deployment force and the airbag itself can cause harm. The 10-inch requirement is established based on safety standards designed to maximize the protection provided by airbag systems while minimizing the risk of injury during deployment.

This distance is established based on extensive research and testing in crash scenarios, where it was determined that this clearance significantly contributes to the effectiveness of airbag systems in protecting occupants. Understanding the importance of this specification is crucial for technicians involved in vehicle rescue operations, as it helps ensure safety when dealing with vehicles that are equipped with airbags.