You don't specify what year or make, The newer vehicles have what they call
a pretentioner in the seat belt that is designed to pull you back away from
the steering wheel in case of a frontal accident. Always a good idea to wear
your seat belt especially with a vehicle that is equipped with an air bag.

My opinion

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

It would be open long before you got there -- that's the whole point.
You also seem to think being hit in the face by the bag cover (I
assume that's what you mean by 'bag trap') is more deadly than being
hit over the head with the windshield...

incorrect

US regulations state that vehicle air bags must stop a seated passenger
who IS NOT BELTED without killing him or her.  European regulations
on airbags are different - that is why Euro airbags are smaller, they truly
are supplemental restraints.  US airbags must be able to act as primary
restraints.

This is why US airbags may be fatal to short people and to children, and
it is why it is recommended if you are a short person that you get a medical
release and have the dealer disconnect your airbag.  Some trucks that
have a single cab have passenger airbag lockout switches specifically to
allow children to be carried in the front seat safely (assuming they wear
a belt, of course)

The air bag trap on the steering wheel is made out of soft plastic and
would not kill someone impacting on it.

Needless to say, if you AREN'T wearing a belt and get involved in
a frontal collision where the airbag deploys, you are going to be in a
lot more hurt than if you had the belt on.  Expect many more bruises and
possibly broken bones.  Also, your probably going to be thrown sideways
unless the impact is perfectly straight on.

Ted