Airbag Safety - Understanding Their Importance & Upkeep
Posted on January 17, 2025
When you’re hitting the road, safety features like seat belts and airbags work together to keep you and your passengers protected.
While most people think of seat belts first, airbags are a crucial backup that can mean the difference between a close call and a serious injury. In fact the combined use of airbags and seat belts reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 75% and serious chest injuries by 66%.
But how exactly do airbags keep us safe, and why are they so important? Car accidents, big or small, can be life-altering, and in severe crashes, the speed and power of airbag deployment help reduce injuries by acting as a cushion.
Let’s explore the importance of airbags in cars, how they work during an accident, and the key points to remember for keeping them in top condition.
Understanding the Safety of Airbags
Airbags are safety devices designed to inflate instantly during a car crash. They provide a cushioned barrier between passengers and hard surfaces in the vehicle. Airbags work alongside seatbelts to reduce the risk of serious injuries, especially to the head and chest.
Most cars have two frontal airbags—one for the driver and one for the front passenger—that activate in the event of a front-end collision. These airbags are carefully calibrated to respond within milliseconds, giving occupants extra protection at the exact moment they need it.
Types of Car Airbags and Innovations
Airbag technology has advanced to make driving safer, offering features that can even help protect people outside the vehicle. Let’s explore the various types of airbags and the newest safety innovations.
1. Frontal Airbags
Frontal airbags are among the most common airbags designed to deploy in head-on collisions. They are positioned in the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the driver and front passenger by cushioning their head and chest upon impact, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury.
2. Side Airbags
Side airbags deploy in the event of a side-impact collision. They are typically located in the doors or seats to shield occupants from the force of an impact on the vehicle’s side or an external object, protecting the torso and head from potential injuries.
3. Knee Airbags
Positioned beneath the dashboard, knee airbags protect the lower legs and knees by preventing direct impact with hard surfaces. These airbags reduce leg injuries and help keep passengers in a safer position during a crash.
4. Curtain Airbags
Curtain airbags deploy from the roof lining, covering the side windows to protect the heads of occupants in both front and rear seats during side impacts and rollovers. Creating a protective barrier helps prevent occupants from hitting the vehicle’s side or being ejected.
5. Rear Seat Airbags
Designed specifically for back-seat passengers, rear-seat airbags deploy from the back of the front seats. They provide a gentler deployment than standard airbags to protect occupants without exerting excessive force, enhancing safety for rear passengers.
6. Center Airbags
Also known as front-center or far-side airbags, center airbags deploy between the driver and front passenger to prevent them from colliding during side impacts. They also help stabilize passengers during far-side or rollover accidents.
7. Inflatable Seat Belts
Ford introduced inflatable seat belts in 2011. These belts are designed to enhance the protection of rear passengers, especially children and older adults. They inflate upon impact, distributing forces more evenly across the torso to reduce injury risks.
8. Panoramic Sunroof Airbag
This innovative airbag deploys from the edges of a panoramic sunroof to prevent ejection during a rollover. Introduced by Hyundai Mobis, this airbag provides critical protection for vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs, an increasingly popular feature.
9. Seat Cushion Airbag
Designed to manage the movement of occupants' lower bodies, seat cushion airbags deploy from the seat base to reduce forces on the chest and abdomen, keeping passengers more secure during a crash.
10. Flexible Seating Airbag Systems
As vehicles adopt flexible seating arrangements, new airbag systems are emerging to protect passengers in varied positions. Systems like Autoliv's Life Cell and Joyson’s Embrace provide cocoon-like protection and adapt to unique seating configurations.
11. Precrash External Side Airbag System
Developed by ZF, this airbag inflates from the vehicle's side sill when sensors detect an imminent side impact. Adding an extra layer of padding on the vehicle’s exterior significantly reduces crash forces during a side collision.
12. External Pedestrian-Protecting Airbags
Volvo pioneered this technology to protect pedestrians during collisions. These airbags deploy from under the hood to cover the windshield and A-pillars, reducing the risk of severe injuries when a pedestrian is struck.
How Do Airbags Work?
Airbags deploy in a carefully timed sequence of three stages, each designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash.
1. Detection Stage
In the first stage, car sensors detect a sudden change in speed or a strong deceleration. This triggers the airbag system to prepare for deployment by activating the inflator.
2. Inflation Stage
Next, the inflator releases nitrogen gas to quickly fill the airbag, causing it to inflate within milliseconds. This rapid inflation helps cushion the driver or passenger from hitting hard surfaces inside the car.
3. Deflation Stage
Once fully inflated, the airbag begins to deflate slowly to absorb the impact and allow the occupants to move freely and safely exit the vehicle after the crash.
Different types of airbags are designed to protect specific areas of the body during different types of crashes:
Front Airbags
Front airbags have been required in all vehicles since 1999. They are designed to protect the head and chest during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions. The airbags deploy to shield occupants from hard surfaces, like the steering wheel or dashboard.
Newer front airbags can adjust deployment based on whether occupants wear seat belts, offering optimal protection for everyone.
Side Airbags
These airbags are meant to protect the head and chest during side impacts. They inflate quickly to prevent occupants from hitting the car's interior or external objects like trees or other vehicles.
In crashes where windows may shatter, side airbags can be the main protection between the passenger’s head and outside forces, providing an essential barrier against serious injuries.
Factors Influencing Airbag Deployment
These elements all play a role in whether airbags provide the right level of protection.
1. Speed and Angle of Impact
The speed and angle at which a crash occurs can affect airbag effectiveness. In frontal crashes, airbags typically deploy when the car hits an object at 10-15 mph or higher.
If the impact is extremely slow or particularly severe, airbags may not deploy as intended. Additionally, if the impact angle is very steep or shallow, airbags may not offer the best protection for passengers.
2. Type of Collision
Different types of collisions require airbags to deploy in specific ways. In a frontal crash, airbags deploy directly from the dashboard to protect the head and chest. In a side impact or rollover, side airbags deploy to shield occupants’ heads and torsos from intruding objects or vehicle parts.
The timing, force, and location of airbag deployment are tailored to each crash type, so airbags are more effective in certain situations than others.
3. Position and Size of Occupants
The size and position of passengers also matter. Airbags are designed to protect adults sitting upright with seat belts on. If someone is leaning forward, reclining, or not wearing a seatbelt, the airbag’s protection may be limited.
What to Do After an Airbag Deploys?
If you’ve been in an accident where your airbag is deployed, it’s important to know the steps to take to stay safe and handle the situation properly.
1. Check for Injuries
Although airbags are designed to minimize serious injuries, they can still cause minor burns, cuts, or bruises. Take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call for medical assistance if needed.
2. Exit the Vehicle
Once you’ve ensured everyone is safe, carefully exit the car. If the accident caused significant damage, move away from the vehicle, as there could be risks from fuel leaks or other hazards.
3. Seek Professional Inspection
After an airbag is deployed, the car’s airbag system will need to be repaired or replaced. Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to assess any structural or mechanical damage and ensure the airbag system is restored to proper working order.
The Benefits of Airbags in a Car
Airbags have become an essential safety feature in vehicles, providing numerous benefits that protect drivers and passengers during accidents.
1. Reduced Risk of Severe Injuries
Airbags act as cushions, absorbing the impact and reducing the risk of major injuries, especially to the head, neck, and chest, during a collision. They work with seat belts to keep occupants securely in place, minimizing contact with the car's interior.
2. Enhanced Protection in Various Collision Types
Different airbags, such as frontal, side, and knee airbags, are designed to activate based on the type of collision, offering tailored protection. For instance, side airbags protect passengers in T-bone crashes, while knee airbags help prevent lower-body injuries.
3. Protection for All Occupants
Airbags are designed to protect all passengers, regardless of seating position. Curtain airbags, for example, safeguard rear-seat occupants, which is crucial in side impacts or rollovers.
In Ontario, children under 13 years old should not sit in the front seat of a vehicle. While some children may meet certain criteria—such as weighing over 80 pounds (36 kg) or being at least 4’9” tall—it’s important to remember that airbags are designed for adults, not children. Airbags can cause severe injuries to younger passengers.
Some vehicles have sensors that automatically disable the front airbag if the occupant doesn’t meet specific criteria. However, the safest option is always to have children securely buckled in the back seat.
For more details, visit the official Ontario seatbelt safety page.
4. Minimized Fatalities in Accidents
Airbags significantly reduce the chances of fatal injuries in serious accidents. By preventing head injuries and blunt trauma, airbags have saved countless lives, especially in high-impact crashes.
5. Increased Vehicle Safety Ratings
Vehicles equipped with comprehensive airbag systems typically receive higher safety ratings, making them more attractive to consumers. A well-rated safety system can also lower insurance costs, adding financial benefits to airbag technology.
6. Innovative Designs for Specialized Protection
Modern airbags have expanded to cover more specific safety needs, such as pedestrian-protecting airbags and external side airbags. These innovations enhance safety both inside and outside the vehicle, reflecting continuous advancements in automotive safety.
Airbags are vital to modern car safety, protecting occupants and reducing injuries and fatalities in ways that were once unimaginable.
How to Prevent Airbag-Related Injuries?
While airbags provide critical protection in the event of an accident, they can also cause injuries if not used properly.
To maximize the effectiveness of airbags and minimize the risk of injury, follow these simple steps:
1. Ensure Proper Seating Posture
Sit upright with your back against the seat and your feet on the floor. This helps ensure that the airbag can deploy effectively and provides the best protection for your head, chest, and lower body.
2. Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts, not replace them. Always wear your seat belt, as it helps secure your position and ensures the airbag deploys at the right time to protect you.
3. Know How Airbags Function
Airbags are not a substitute for good driving habits. They are safety features that complement your seat belt. Be aware that airbags are most effective in moderate-to-severe crashes and will not prevent injuries in minor accidents.
4. Avoid Leaning Forward or to the Side
Leaning forward or to the side can put you too close to the airbag, increasing the chance of injury during deployment. Stay seated in an upright position for maximum protection.
5. Don’t Rest Your Feet on the Dashboard
Keeping your feet on the dashboard can lead to serious leg injuries during airbag deployment. Always keep your feet flat on the floor to avoid unnecessary risk.
6. Pay Attention to Airbag Warning Lights
If the airbag warning light is on, it means that there’s an issue with your airbag system. It could be something minor like a loose connection, but it could also be a problem with the SRS Supplemental Restraint System, or a faulty sensor. Don’t ignore it—have your vehicle inspected by a professional to ensure that your airbags will work properly in the event of an accident.
7. Adjust Your Seat Correctly
Make sure your seat is positioned correctly, allowing a safe distance between you and the airbag. Typically, a distance of 10 inches from the steering wheel is recommended to prevent injuries caused by the force of the deploying airbag.
8. Consider Using Adaptive Devices
For individuals with disabilities or unique needs, adaptive equipment such as a steering wheel cover or seat modifications may help ensure proper seating and protection. Consult an expert to ensure these adjustments don’t interfere with airbag function.
Airbag Maintenance and Replacement
Airbags are designed to last the life of your vehicle, but regular car airbag maintenance is still important, especially if your car is older or has been involved in an accident.
If you notice that your airbag light is on, it could mean there’s an issue with the airbag system, and it may not work properly in a crash.
In this case, a professional must check your vehicle to see if repairs or airbag replacement are needed. You might be wondering, do airbags expire? While airbags don’t expire traditionally, older vehicles could have airbags that are no longer as effective or may have degraded over time.
Regular airbag service maintenance can help ensure that your airbags are still functioning correctly and are ready to deploy if needed. To keep your airbags working properly, make sure your car gets regular maintenance and inspections. This will help you avoid any surprises and keep you safe on the road.
The Importance of Car Airbag Repair
Repairing and maintaining your car's airbag system is essential for several important reasons:
1. Occupant Safety
Airbags are critical safety features that help protect passengers during a collision. If your airbag system isn't functioning properly, it increases the risk of severe injuries or even fatalities in an accident.
2. Legal Compliance
In many areas, it’s a legal requirement to have a properly working airbag system in your vehicle. Ignoring airbag issues could lead to legal consequences, especially if the vehicle is involved in a crash.
3. Preservation of Vehicle Value
A well-maintained airbag system helps maintain the overall safety and integrity of your vehicle, ensuring its value is preserved. A malfunctioning airbag system could decrease your vehicle’s resale value.
Repair Options for Airbag Systems
When you experience problems with your airbag system, there are several repair options available:
- Diagnostic Testing: A professional technician can perform diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue with your airbag system. This allows for targeted repairs or component replacements.
- Module Resetting: If the airbag control module encounters errors or faults, resetting it can often restore its functionality and clear any error codes, allowing the system to function as intended.
- Component Replacement: In some cases, faulty sensors, wiring, or modules need to be replaced to ensure the system operates properly and safely.
- System Calibration: After repairs or component replacements, the airbag system needs to be calibrated to ensure all parts are working in sync for optimal performance during a collision.
Taking care of airbag repairs not only enhances your safety but also ensures your vehicle remains roadworthy and legally compliant.
Is Your Airbag System Functioning Properly? Don’t Take Chances with Your Safety
Airbags play a crucial role in keeping us safe on the road, offering protection during collisions and helping reduce the severity of injuries. But just like any other vehicle feature, you must stay on top of airbag maintenance and repair to ensure they’re ready when you need them most.
At CarHub North York Chrysler, we prioritize your safety, offering a wide range of reliable, well-maintained vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, including airbags. Don’t take chances with your safety – visit us today to explore our safe and reliable car options that provide peace of mind for every drive.
For more tips and insights on car maintenance and safety, check out the blog page at CarHub North York Chrysler. We’ve got plenty of helpful articles to keep you informed and help you take the best care of your vehicle!