The over-risk for the driver due to the steering system can be highlighted if drivers' state is compared with front passengers', provided no other significant side effects are involved, such as asymmetrical intrusion or rear over-loading.

The comparison is made in a sample of 112 cars involved in frontal collision. No significant difference is observed between the proportion of severe injuries among drivers and passengers, but severe thoracic injuries are more frequent for passengers, severe injuries to lower members are more frequent for drivers.

It cannot be affirmed that steering system generates a manifest over-risk for drivers. Improving protection for front restrained occupants involved in frontal collisions will consist, for the main part, in better ride-down between restrained occupant and passenger compartment. That will result in reducing load on the thorax and frequency and seriousness of lower members contacts.