Final answer:
Maintaining a distance of at least 10 inches from the steering wheel can reduce the risk of injury when an airbag deploys in a crash. Airbags and seatbelts work together by using the principle of impulse to decrease the force on passengers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In vehicles equipped with a driver's side airbag, it is recommended that drivers maintain a distance of 10 inches or more from the steering wheel to reduce the chance of injury in the event of a crash. Airbags are designed to deploy upon impact and work alongside seatbelts to minimize serious injuries to passengers. The use of airbags has significantly improved vehicle safety since their widespread implementation. The airbag provides a cushion that spreads the force of the impact over a larger area and increases the time over which the force acts, resulting in a greatly reduced average force on the driver during a collision. This principle is known as impulse, which refers to the change in momentum that occurs over an extended amount of time, leading to a lower resultant force.
It is important for drivers to adjust their seat position and ensure they are sitting a safe distance away from the steering wheel to minimize the risk of injuries from the airbag in case of a crash.