Steering Wheel and Column
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2008 GMC Yukon XL, 2008 GMC Yukon, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The steering wheel and column are designed to absorb energy when driver contact is made with the steering wheel or inflated air bag. In a frontal collision the driver may contact the steering wheel directly or load the steering wheel and column through the inflated air bag. When the driver applies load to the air bag or steering wheel the column will compress downward absorbing some of the impact, helping to reduce bodily injuries to the driver. The steering wheel and column must be inspected for damage after a collision.