Forces are so high just after an inflating airbag emerges from its cover that serious injury is possible. Contact nearer the end of inflation usually results in nothing more than abrasions. People at risk of serious injuries from inflating airbags are mainly drivers who sit with their faces or chests very close to the steering wheel. With or without airbags, this position is risky because hitting the steering wheel can cause serious head and chest injuries in crashes. Now it's particularly risky because of the possibility of airbag inflation injuries.
Drivers can do several things to reduce the risk.
The first is to use a safety belt because most airbag inflation deaths have involved unbelted people. Also, sit as far away from the steering wheel as possible while still reaching the pedals. Some cars have steering wheels with telescoping adjusters that allow drivers to move the wheel away. People who sit close to the wheel just to see over it may be able to raise their seats or tilt the wheel down instead of sitting so close. These allow drivers to sit farther away from the steering wheel.