For safety when driving a vehicle with air bags, how far should you be seated from the steering wheel?

The correct answer of 10 inches is based on safety guidelines recommended by vehicle safety experts. When you are seated at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel, it creates a safe distance that allows the airbag to deploy effectively without causing injury to the driver. Airbags are designed to inflate rapidly in the event of a collision, and if you are too close, the force of the airbag deploying can lead to serious injuries, particularly to the chest and face.

Maintaining this distance also helps ensure that you have a clear line of sight for proper vehicle control and operation. Being at a proper distance allows the driver to maintain a comfortable posture while also being able to see the road clearly, which contributes to overall driving safety. Smaller distances, such as 5 inches, may not allow enough space for safe airbag deployment, which is a key reason why maintaining a minimum distance of 10 inches is emphasized.

In summary, sitting at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel strikes a balance between effective airbag safety measures and general driving visibility and control.