Rhinestones on steering wheels: Why feds say the car decoration can be dangerous

A federal agency is warning motorists to prioritize safety over making a fashion statement with their car’s steering wheel. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a consumer alert asking drivers to not use rhinestones on steering wheels.

This coming after at least one driver suffered a serious injury that left them blind in one eye.

The motorist was reportedly struck in the face by rhinestones that dislodged from a steering wheel cover after a crash. 

The decorative, usually metal or plastic products have adhesive backs that cover factory-made logos at the center of steering wheels, according to NHTSA. 

“Unlike the permanently affixed logo on your vehicle’s steering wheel, these aftermarket decals can easily become dislodged when the air bag is deployed” the NHTSA alert said. “Any alterations or changes to your air bag or its cover can also cause it to not function correctly.”

If you already have a steering wheel adorned with rhinestones or similar products, NHTSA is asking consumers to avoid purchasing or remove these steering wheel decals for all vehicle makes and models.

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