Feds Warn Motorists Against Bedazzled Steering Wheels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a statement warning drivers about the dangers of aftermarket steering wheel decals and covers that could increase the risk of injury or death in a crash.

This caution comes after a motorist was seriously injured in an accident when an emblem covered with rhinestones was knocked out of place in a crash. Unfortunately, the component hit the driver in the face, causing them to lose sight in one eye.

Many motorists do not realize that an obstruction to the airbag system could turn the life-saving safety feature into a deadly one. An airbag is, essentially, an explosive, and its primary goal is to inflate and reduce the risk of upper body and head injuries in a collision. Placing decorative elements on the steering wheel could prevent the airbag from doing its job correctly.

The NHTSA urges motorists to refrain from purchasing these accessories, regardless of their vehicle. Those with these decals and covers on their steering wheels have been encouraged to remove them as soon as possible. If you're unsure what to look for, here's what you should know.

Firstly, this does not pertain to the standard logo on your steering wheel. Manufacturers have carefully designed their steering wheels to have badges that do not interfere with the airbag mechanism. The NHTSA is only referring to aftermarket products that are usually affixed to the steering wheel with an adhesive backing.

This is not strong enough to withstand the forces of a crash or airbag deployment. More often than not, these metal or plastic accessories are adorned with shiny rhinestones or crystals. The aesthetic may appeal to you, but it's not worth dying over.

We understand the desire to customize or personalize your vehicle, but an airbag-equipped steering wheel is the one thing motorists should not tamper with. Those sparkly rhinestones could become your worst nightmare in the wrong situation, with an airbag deployment sending those glittering gems into your face at high speed.

Traffic fatalities in America may be declining, but there's still a severe problem on our roads. Speed remains a big factor in traffic deaths, with the NHTSA