A field study of accidents involving vehicles fitted with three designs of "energy absorbing" steering system is reported. Two of these systems, relying on axial collapse of the column, have been shown to provide no significant additional ride down, through column compression, in real life. A third system, involving a deformable can, directly behind a three spoke wheel, appears to provide good protection throughout the speed range of the present sample.

Laboratory testing has indicated that damage to steering systems produced under testing conditions specified in FMVSS 203 is completely different from that observed in the field. Reasons for these differences are suggested.