Final answer:
Drivers with airbag-equipped vehicles should adjust their hand positioning on the steering wheel to either '9 and 3 o'clock' or '8 and 4 o'clock' positions to avoid injuries during airbag deployment in a crash. Maintaining at least 10 inches of distance from the steering wheel airbag is also crucial for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Safety Adjustments for Drivers with Airbag-Equipped Vehicles: Hand Position
When driving a vehicle equipped with airbags, it's essential to make certain safety adjustments, particularly concerning the hand position on the steering wheel. The recommended hand positions have changed with the advent of airbags to enhance safety. The traditional '10 and 2 o'clock' position is no longer advised because, during airbag deployment, the force can cause serious injury to the hands or arms if they are in the path of the airbag. A safer hand position is '9 and 3 o'clock' or even '8 and 4 o'clock' which not only provides good control over the vehicle but also ensures that the hands and arms are less likely to be injured by an airbag deploying in a crash. Additionally, keeping a proper distance between the driver and the airbag, typically at least 10 inches, is crucial to allow space for the airbag to inflate without causing injury upon impact.
Airbags are designed to work with seat belts to protect the occupants. In the event of a collision, the airbag deploys to provide a cushion that helps to distribute the force of the impact over a larger area and over a longer period of time. This helps in reducing the net force that the occupants experience. Therefore, ensuring correct hand positioning on the steering wheel supplements the protective function of airbags and seat belts, making it a fundamental aspect of safe driving.