Impact Protection: Notes

In a serious impact, the steering column is designed to manage two simultaneous events; the intermediate shaft must isolate the steering wheel from any movement of the steering rack (if the angle of the steering wheel changes it will affect the way in which the airbag deploys towards the driver).

In addition, to prevent excessive force causing injury as the driver strikes the airbag, the whole upper-column assembly is designed to progressively move forwards as the driver contacts the airbag. This motion helps to safely and progressively decelerate the driver. The steering column has a 'Horizontal Load Limiting' system which differs from conventional designs that rely on movement along the column axis.