Final answer:
A minimum of 10 inches should be allowed between the driver and the steering wheel to reduce injury risk from airbag deployment in a collision, as part of overall driver safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is that there should be a minimum of 10 inches between the driver and the steering wheel. This measurement ensures that in case of a collision where the airbag deploys, there is sufficient space to avoid direct impact from the airbag, reducing the risk of injury to the driver.
Proper positioning is a key aspect of driver safety, alongside other factors such as reaction time to apply brakes, the total distance a vehicle travels after brakes are applied, and the force experienced by a driver during a collision without the protection of seatbelts and airbags.
The correct answer is option 15 inches. The recommended distance between the driver and the steering wheel is around 15 inches. This distance allows the driver to have enough space to operate the steering wheel comfortably and also helps prevent injuries in case of a collision.
Having a sufficient distance between the driver and the steering wheel is important because it allows for proper airbag deployment. If the driver is too close to the steering wheel, there is a higher risk of injury from the airbag deploying in case of an accident.
Furthermore, having the correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel ensures that the driver can fully extend their arms and have a clear view of the instrument panel and the road ahead, enabling them to react quickly and make necessary adjustments while driving.