the advantages of the present invention reducing velocity of impact by the occupant on the steering column the complexity of the energy absorbing system may be reduced a central steering shaft 136 extends from the steering column for attachment to the steering linkage in the embodiment show in the drawings the actuator lever incorporates a horseshoe yoke 138 which engages the central rod of the steering column and the base of the torque sleeve motion of the actuator lever from its first at rest position to a displaced position 126 39 shown in phantom urges the steering column from its initial position to the maximum extension position motion of the steering column is completed by design before acceleration of the occupant induces contact collapse of the steering column under crash loads is demonstrated in fig1 b from the maximum extended position 124 39 the steering column is collapsed to an impact position 124 34 shown in phantom the collapsing energy absorption mechanism of the steering column in shown in the collapsed position 134 39 operation of the actuator lever for repositioning of the steering column is shown in fig1 the actuator lever is supported on a pivot bearing assembly 140 mounted to the firewall an actuator arm 142 of the lever engages the battery box forward motion of the battery box under crash loads forces the actuator arm forward pivoting the actuator lever about the pivot bearing assembly and urging the horseshoe yoke rearward to reposition the steering column details of the actuator lever assembly are best seen in fig1 a and 17b.