Combination steering wheel and brake operator

An apparatus for steering and braking an vehicle having a steering and braking system, comprising:

• a steering column disposed in the vehicle and positioned along a steering axis;
• a steering wheel disposed on the steering column, the steering wheel comprising:
• a hub disposed on the steering column in operative engagement with the steering system;
• a first steering wheel segment spaced from and rotatably fixed to the hub such that the first steering wheel segment is rotatable, in combination with the hub, about the steering axis to steer the vehicle;
• and
• a second steering wheel segment spaced from and rotatably fixed to the hub such that the second steering wheel segment is rotatable, in combination with the hub, about the steering axis to steer the vehicle, the second steering wheel segment also being pivotally connected to the hub such that the second steering wheel segment can move generally toward the steering axis, the second steering wheel segment being pivotally movable between an equilibrium position in which the second steering wheel segment is aligned with the first steering wheel segment to define at least part of a steering wheel perimeter and a braking position wherein the second steering wheel segment is displaced from alignment with the first steering wheel segment to actuate the braking system;
• at least one cable extending through at least a portion of the steering column and extending at least partially between the braking system and the second steering wheel segment so that the second steering wheel segment is in operative communication with the braking system.