Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel and airbag assembly and an integrated steering wheel assembly having a unique tear seam design. The tear seam is incorporated in an airbag scrim that covers the airbag when the airbag is mounted in the steering wheel assembly. In the most preferred embodiment the tear seam is a straight line that bisects the airbag scrim. The tear seam is formed from three walls joined by a first joint and a second joint. The first joint is substantially a right angle joint and the second joint is a radiused joint. Because of its shape, the first joint is less fracture resistant than the second joint. The tear seam design permits a more efficient deployment of the airbag.