If the steering wheel must be displaced and the air bag has not deployed, what action is recommended?

In situations where the steering wheel must be displaced and the air bag has not deployed, disconnecting the battery cables is a critical safety measure. This action helps to mitigate the risk of an accidental airbag deployment that could occur if the vehicle is tilted, moved, or manipulated. Disconnecting the battery cuts power to the airbag system, ensuring that it cannot deploy unexpectedly while personnel work on the vehicle or during the extrication process. This precaution is essential for protecting both rescuers and victims from injury caused by a deployed airbag, which can occur even if there has been no deployment in an earlier impact.

The other options may seem viable but carry significant risks. Striking the steering wheel could inadvertently trigger the airbag, which is highly dangerous. Suggesting that no action is needed because only frontal impacts will deploy air bags overlooks the fact that airbag systems can sometimes behave unpredictably during vehicle extrication. Using a backboard across the steering wheel to deflect the air bag also poses a risk, as it does not address the underlying issue of the airbag system remaining powered and ready to deploy. Overall, disconnecting the battery cables is the most effective method to ensure safety during vehicle extrication when dealing with an undeployed airbag.