How far should drivers and front seat passengers sit from the airbag?

The correct distance for drivers and front seat passengers to sit from the airbag is 10 inches. This recommendation is based on safety research that indicates sitting too close to an airbag can increase the risk of injury in the event of deployment, especially for shorter individuals.

When an airbag deploys, it does so with great force, and being positioned too close puts occupants in a vulnerable situation. The specified distance of 10 inches helps to ensure that there is sufficient space to minimize the risk of injury while still allowing the safety feature to perform effectively in a collision.

Maintaining an adequate distance from the airbag allows occupants to benefit from the protection it offers, while also reducing the likelihood of serious injury related to its deployment. This standard is based on guidelines from safety organizations and vehicle manufacturers, all emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe driver and passenger positioning in relation to active safety features like airbags.