In the Los Angeles metropolitan complex, and Southern California, many automobile owners spend considerable time, energy and great expense in modifying their vehicles. Aftermarket equipment such as magnesium wheels, elaborate music systems, sun roofs, and custom steering wheels are some of the more common modifications made to vehicles. This paper will focus on the aftermarket steering wheel, which is constructed of various materials, such as wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link and other materials, and produced in sizes ranging from 8 inches to 14½ inches in diameter.

Some Researchers and Accident Investigators in the Los Angeles area have observed that these aftermarket steering wheels appear to perform differently as a result of human contact in collisions, than standard production steering wheels. The aftermarket wheels do not appear to have the collapsibility and load absorbtion characteristics of production steering wheels. There is also an indication that the small diameter wheels decrease the driver's ability to maneuver and control a vehicle that is not equipped with power steering.

This paper provides data from the examination of vehicles equipped with aftermarket steering wheels constructed of various materials, that were involved in frontal collisions. The injuries sustained by the drivers of these vehicles are examined and the injuries specificall