A vehicle steering column incorporates a device to allow manual reach adjustment of the steering column. Actuating means is provided to pull the steering wheel away from the driver in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Two legs, slidably connected to the steering column and one of the legs connected to a pulling cable of the actuating means, each have along one edge ramps and along the opposite edges have serrated portions. One leg is inverted relative to the other so that they mate with the ramps of one leg nesting in valleys defined by the ramps of the other leg. A shear element normally secures the legs. The legs are located by two guide rails in a serrated block assembly with its serrations lying closely adjacent but normally clear of leg serrations. Upon vehicle impact, the cable is pulled and one leg tries to separate from the other leg, the shear element breaks and the serrations on the legs lock into the serrations of the serrated block assembly. Further pulling continues to pull the whole assembly.