The fact that a rigid steering column poses a risk to the driver became clear even from the earliest accident analyses. Since the 1960s, a number of design measures have been introduced, aimed at reducing the risk of injury. For example, modern-day steering columns feature an articulated joint, enabling them to give in the event of an impact. More recent safety steering columns are capable of absorbing impact energy. Since the introduction of the airbag, the function of the steering column has become more complex. It is designed to complement the protection offered by the seat belt and the airbag. The safety steering column features elements which retract in a similar way to a telescope in the event of a collision, thereby preventing the steering from penetrating into the vehicle interior. Telescopic linkages and additional articulated joints largely isolate the steering wheel movement from the deformation of the bulkhead. In this way the risk of injury to the driver is reduced. During a crash not exceeding a certain severity, the steering wheel and the airbag thus maintain a defined position in front of the driver. An integrated adjuster mechanism with damper function reduces loading on the chest and head as far as is technically possible. These elements provide a useful addition to the belt force limiters.
