A collapsible steering column assembly is provided that includes a column jacket and a bracket for attaching the assembly to a vehicle. A plate is coupled to the column jacket, and defines a opening therethrough and a slot extending along a longitudinal axis from the opening. A pyrotechnic device interconnects the bracket to a pin, and transversely moves the pin relative to the plate into the opening in response to a collision event. The pin deforms the slot as a result of longitudinal movement of the plate relative to the pin for absorbing energy imparted to the vehicle during the collision event, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuring a driver of the vehicle.