The SAS Survival Driver’s Handbook. John Wiseman

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STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS

      In a frontal collision, where no airbag is fitted, there is a risk that the driver’s head will hit the steering wheel. A well-padded steering wheel will absorb the impact and do less damage than one which is hard and metallic. Raised switches or bolts in the wheel centre can cause nasty cuts and eye injuries. Metal rims and spokes may look stylish — but your face won’t after it’s been in a collision with them. For the same reason, look for a car that offers some degree of padding in the door panels to cushion your body on impact. Make sure there are no exposed metal bolts and fittings to cause injury.

      You are less likely to suffer steering wheel injuries if you position yourself correctly. Sit at arm’s length from the wheel rather than leaning over it with your arms bent.

HEAD RESTRAINTS

      When your car is hit from behind (and rear-end collisions are one of the most common forms of accident) your body is thrown forward while your head and neck, if unsupported, are jerked violently back, resulting in ‘whiplash’ injuries. Although not life-threatening, whiplash can be very painful and its effects can last a long time.

       AIRBAG HAZARDS

      NEVER fit a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger-side airbag. (See Child Restraints, above.)

      TAKE CARE! Airbags can cause injuries as well as prevent them. The speed and force of inflation, particularly of the American ‘full-size’ bags, means that drivers and front-seat passengers must exercise a degree of caution. In particular, you should NEVER smoke while sitting in a seat equipped with an airbag. Were the bag to inflate, your cigarette or pipe would be rammed into your face with tremendous force, inflicting facial burns and other injuries. Front-seat passengers should never sit with their feet on the dashboard, as this too can result in injury if the bag is deployed.

      DANGER! Airbags contain an explosive charge which could cause injury if tampered with. In normal use, no maintenance is required. If the warning light on the dashboard illuminates, take the car to a garage or dealer. Never try to remove an airbag yourself.

      Once an airbag has inflated in an accident it cannot be used a second time. Take the car to your garage or dealer and have the airbag replaced.

      Head restraints are designed not to provide comfort but to prevent whiplash. They will also protect your head from being hit by back-seat passengers in a frontal collision.

      To be effective, the head restraint must be strong, stable, and positioned correctly. One that is too low can do more harm than having no head restraint at all. Adjustable restraints are preferable to fixed ones, particularly for those who are above average height. If you share the driving with someone else, make sure you check the position of the head restraint every time you get in the car.

      If a glance in the mirror tells you that you are about to be hit from behind:

      • Remain facing forward. Resist the impulse to turn around because having your head and spine at an angle increases the risk of whiplash injuries.

      • Press your back against the seat and your head against the restraint.