What Car? Q&A - Can steering aid interfere with airbag?

Q: I am a disabled driver who uses a steering aid attached to the steering wheel of my car. I am due to buy a new car and am concerned about the steering aid interfering with the airbag. Could this cause a safety issue?
Catherine Howley.

A: The Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS) has carried out a study into the use of steering devices in cars fitted with airbags. Its concerns were that a driver could be at risk of injury from the steering aid being dislodged when the airbag inflated, or that the airbag would not inflate properly due to the position of the device. However, the tests revealed little risk of injury, as long as a seat belt was worn.

MAVIS advises that no aid with a fixing bar that crosses the centre of the steering wheel be used with an airbag and that you should ensure you are positioned a safe distance from the wheel. Never deactivate or remove an airbag yourself. If you are unsure about whether your steering device is safe to use, contact MAVIS on 01344 661000.