When an accident takes place, those involved may sustain serious injuries or lose their lives. Airbags are an essential safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to reduce the impact of a collision on the driver and passengers.
It is important for drivers and passengers to understand how airbags work to help prevent deaths.
The benefits
When a car becomes involved in a crash, sensors in the vehicle detect the sudden deceleration and impact. These sensors send a signal to the airbag control module, which triggers the release of compressed gas within the airbag system. This gas inflates the airbag within milliseconds, providing a cushioning barrier between the occupants and the hard surfaces of the car interior.
The purpose of the airbag is to slow down the forward movement of the occupants and prevent them from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield. The rapid inflation of the airbag absorbs some of the energy of the impact, reducing the force exerted on the occupants’ bodies.
Risk factors
It is important to note that airbags work in conjunction with seat belts, not as a replacement for them. Seat belts are still the primary restraint system in a vehicle, and they work together with airbags to provide optimal protection in a crash. In some cases, airbags may not deploy in a collision. This could happen if the impact is not severe enough to trigger the sensors, or if the angle of the collision is not directly in front of the vehicle. However, modern vehicles have advanced airbag systems that can deploy in various types of crashes to maximize occupant protection.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 19,500 people lost their lives in traffic accidents during the first half of 2023. Airbags play a key role in reducing the risk of death in motor vehicle accidents by providing a cushioning barrier between occupants and hard surfaces. Sadly, they cannot prevent all injuries and deaths, and many people continue to die in traffic accidents due to reckless drivers.