How far should drivers and front seat passengers sit from the airbag?

The recommended distance that drivers and front seat passengers should maintain from the airbag is 10 inches. This distance is crucial for safety because airbags deploy at high speeds during a crash, and being too close can lead to serious injuries. Sitting at least 10 inches away helps ensure that when the airbag deploys, it can inflate properly and provide the intended cushioning effect without causing harm to the occupants.

The other options suggest distances that may either be too close or too far, which do not adhere to safety guidelines. Therefore, maintaining a distance of 10 inches strikes the right balance for maximizing safety during a collision while still allowing the driver and passengers to maintain control over the vehicle.