An airbag is a safety device now commonplace in most modern cars. There are frontal, side or curtain airbags, and in some makes, knee and rear curtain airbags. It takes less than ten milliseconds after impact for an airbag to deploy (see above). Is it fast enough? Will it save your life? Or cause you an injury? And what about airbags going off when you’re not even in an accident?
Here are the answers based on statistics and testing.
Why have airbags?
Airbags work in tandem with seatbelts to restrain the movements of adult occupants in a car accident.
How do they work?
By burning solid fuels (e.g. sodium azide). The combustion produces large volumes of gas which inflate the airbags.
When do they activate?
Airbags are triggered by electronic sensors and control units that use multiple inputs to tell if a real collision is happening. Sudden stopping, banging the steering wheel or hammering on the front of the car will not deploy your airbags. Due to insufficient force, airbags will not even go off in some collisions at lower speeds.
Do they work?
Road trauma statistics indicate that without airbags you are more likely to be killed or seriously injured. You simply cannot brace for the force of such an impact because the forces are so great. Gases from airbags can sometimes cause minor injuries, but the benefits far outweigh any risk.
Tips to avoid injures.
- If you’re pregnant, wear the lower sash of the seatbelt at hip level, below the baby bump. And push the front seat as far back as it goes.
- Never fit child restraints in the front seat. The back seat is safer, middle back seat safest of all.
- Front seat passengers should never ride with their feet on the dashboard.
- Never steer with one arm across the steering wheel.
- There is no evidence that wearing sunglasses or spectacles is a hazard when an airbag deploys.
To get the latest news, research and tips join The Buzz Insurance on Facebook or get The Buzz on Twitter.
The content, thoughts and opinions stated in this article are of the relevant contributors. The Buzz Insurance do not necessarily share or endorse those opinions. Neither The Buzz Insurance nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed.
