You might be confusing a few things - older steering columns were very rigid (and thus "strong"), but were also a fairly major concern in frontal or rear collis

You might be confusing a few things - older steering columns were very rigid (and thus "strong"), but were also a fairly major concern in frontal or rear collisions: they would essentially impale the driver if hit at the right angle. Modern steering columns have a telescoping construction that allows them to collapse in the event of an impact so that this isn't a big of a concern.