Airbags and Their Role in Preventing Car Accident Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags have saved more than 50,000 lives over a recent 30-year period. When they work correctly, airbags can play a critical role in preventing car accident injuries by shielding vehicle occupants from blunt trauma. Here is what you need to know about this critical factor:

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags are supplemental restraint systems that are designed to protect occupants in case of a crash. They reduce the chance that the vehicle occupant’s upper body or head will collide with the interior of the vehicle during a crash. They generally deploy in moderate to severe crashes, but sometimes they can deploy in minor crashes. Airbags’ durable fabric rapidly inflates in milliseconds after a signal is sent from the airbag system’s electronic control unit to an inflator in the airbag module. An igniter in the inflator initiates a chemical reaction that produces a gas that rapidly inflates the bag. They deflate when sensors trigger that it is safe to do so.

Airbags’ Role in Preventing Car Accident Injuries

Airbags are designed to work best in tandem with seat belts. Frontal airbags have been standard equipment in all passenger vehicles since the 90’s. They are intended to cushion the impact and reduce the force exerted on the bodies of vehicle passengers. This cushioning effect helps prevent or minimize injuries to the head, chest, and upper body.

How to Use Airbags Correctly

Airbags are at their most effective – and less likely to cause injury – when vehicle occupants are properly seated in the car. For frontal airbags, it is best for the driver to sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible. Passengers should sit as far back from the dashboard as possible. This way, there is sufficient space between them and a deploying airbag. Rear-facing car seats should not be placed in front of an active airbag, and children under 13 should be seated in the back seat so they don’t come in direct contact with the frontal airbag. Vehicle occupants should be aware that some vehicles come with side airbags. These airbags inflate even more quickly since there is less space between the vehicle occupant and the striking object. As such, they should avoid leaning on the side of the vehicle. Once an airbag deploys, it should be replaced. Only an authorized repair center should replace it. Don’t drive the vehicle again until the airbag has been replaced.

When Airbags Are Defective

Unfortunately, not all airbags work as they are supposed to. They can cause injuries when they fail to deploy properly, delay in their deployment, or deploy unnecessarily. They can also be made with unsafe materials that act as shrapnel when the airbag deploys. If an airbag is defective, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the negligent manufacturer.

Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Car Accident Claim

If you were involved in a car accident, you may have a valid claim against the at-fault driver, and possibly an airbag or vehicle manufacturer if the airbag was defective. We can investigate your San Antonio truck accident case, identify all paths for compensation, and fight for a fair outcome. Call us today to schedule a free case review.