Collapsible steering column for a vehicle

A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes an actuator that is coupled to a clamp for clamping the steering column in a desired position. The actuator has a control means for adjusting the clamping force of the clamp in the event of a vehicle crash to control the energy absorption, and the actuator may be electrically controlled. Sensors calculate weight, posture, position, etc. of the driver and thereby determine the settings that are required for the energy absorption to protect the driver. The actuator is dependent on the sensed settings to control the terminal absorption energy.