When is it dangerous to put your steering wheel in the "lock" position?

Putting the steering wheel in the "lock" position while the vehicle is in motion can be extremely dangerous because it effectively disables the steering mechanism. When the steering is locked, the driver loses the ability to control the direction of the vehicle, which can lead to a complete loss of control and result in accidents. Keeping the steering wheel locked while driving means that any steering input becomes ineffective, making it impossible to navigate turns or avoid obstacles.

In contrast, locking the steering wheel while parked is a safety measure to prevent theft. Engaging reverse or idling does not inherently result in danger, as the vehicle's addressing of steering is not compromised. Thus, it's crucial to avoid locking the steering while the vehicle is in motion to ensure safe driving practices.