If the assembly of the steering wheel is not safe, it can become a violation of “dangerous equipment”. Some drivers cannot use a standard steering wheel due to physical limitations. Some states allow the use of spinner buttons by drivers who would otherwise not be able to drive a vehicle due to a disability. In Michigan, a person who cannot use a standard steering wheel may be granted a limited driver`s license, which depends on the use of a rotation button. In New York, a driver must be able to control with at least one hand or prosthesis; The state does not ban rotary knobs, and the device could help a person with a disability meet New York`s one-handed steering requirement. The Steering Wheel Spinner Knob was invented by Joel R. Thorp of Wisconsin in 1936. [3] The name Brodie is an allusion to Steve Brodie and should describe all kinds of reckless stunts. [4] The device is often referred to as a “suicide button” because it is notoriously useless for controlling the wheel in an emergency.
[5] It is also known as the “Knuckle Buster” because the button has the disadvantage of releasing the steering wheel after a turn, turning the steering wheel quickly and the button can hit the user`s ankle, forearm or elbow. If the driver is wearing a long-sleeved shirt, the protruding accessory on the edge of the steering wheel may also get stuck in the open cut of the sleeve through the button. The other names are “Grandma Button”, “Necker Button” and “Wheel Spinner”. In addition to OSHA regulations, some states restrict the use of buttons on vehicles used in construction and mechanical equipment. For example, central Michigan University`s state-funded motorized industrial truck program regulates the use of rotation knobs on forklifts. A rotation button cannot be attached to the steering wheel unless the truck was originally equipped with a button. Brodie buttons are legal for private vehicles in most U.S. states.
[6] Go ahead and look at federal driving laws. Nothing prohibits the use of a steering wheel button. In fact, the law dictates that some readers must have them. If you are disabled, you may need one of them to drive legally. Steering wheel buttons are not illegal in Minnesota. This is a myth that has spread, perhaps because the pimples were also called “suicide buttons”. This negative connotation led people to believe that they were illegal. In fact, steering wheel buttons are sometimes prescribed to people with appropriate disabilities to help them drive. If you put a button on the wheel, it is much easier to turn the wheel completely. They must therefore have them behind the wheel to be able to drive legally.
Replacing the original steering wheel with a steering wheel without an airbag would also be dangerous, as the vehicle`s airbags are designed to work with the seat belts installed to ensure the safety of all occupants in the event of an accident or rollover. Despite the myths, steering wheel buttons are not illegal. Steering wheel buttons are not strictly illegal in any of the 50 states. However, some states set restrictions on their use if their design poses a potential safety risk, such as getting caught with clothes. Like most states, Michigan does not prohibit the use of rotation buttons, and Kentucky simply prohibits the use of all faulty steering devices, so a broken or improperly installed rotation knob would violate state law. Washington State prohibits a steering device or wheel attachment if a driver`s clothing or jewelry could get stuck in it during normal driving. The buttons on the steering wheel have many names. Technically, they are called “Brodie buttons”. However, you may have heard that they work under the name of suicide buttons.
Or you may have heard of them as spinner buttons. Sit on your bike with the button. Make sure the vehicle is in the park. Then try to turn the wheel to the end. If he doesn`t catch, then you`re good to go. The device is a small independent rotary knob (similar to a classic American door handle) that faces the driver and is securely attached to the outer rim of a steering wheel. [1] The protruding button is an accessory for the aftermarket. Free rotation should help make one-handed steering easier or faster.