An apparatus for enclosing an air bag (38) on a steering wheel (22)
includes an inner cover (34) at least partially enclosing the air bag
(38) and having a tear seam central portion (50) along which the inner
cover ruptures upon inflation of the air bag (38). An outer cover (36) at
least partially encloses the inner cover (34) and the air bag (38) and
includes a tear seam central portion (49) with a length substantially
equal to the length of the tear seam central portion (50) in the inner
cover (34). A horn switch (58) is disposed between the inner and outer
covers (34 and 36) for effecting operation of a horn. The horn switch
(58) includes first and second tear seams (64, 65) aligned with the tear
seam central portions (50 and 49) in the inner and outer covers (34 and
36). The first and second tear seams (64, 65) in the horn switch (58)
have a combined length substantially less than the length of each of the
tear seams (49 and 50).