Airbags are key safety devices. A cushioned buffer between the car interior and occupants, intended to minimize harm in case of an accident. Airbags reduce the possibility of fatalities by over 60% and minimize the possibility of chest, neck, and head injury.
Despite their critical safety role, airbags are not without drawbacks. The device’s rapid deployment can itself cause severe and unexpected injuries, and depending on the car’s kinetic energy, different types of harm can result. Since airbags based on a complicated network of vehicle sensors and electronic systems to using at the accurate moment, understanding basic automotive diagnostics—such as vehicle diagnostic trouble codes (DTC codes) —can help drivers accurate understand how modern safety systems detect faults and report issues.
Benefits of the Airbag
Airbags are engineered to work in conjunction with seat belts, not replace them. Take note that not having a seatbelt on when in a crash, should an airbag go off, will likely create a more severe reaction. Otherwise, when properly initiated, expect the airbag to:
Reduce Ejection
Airbags decrease the possibility of passengers getting ejected during high-impact and rollover crashes.
Prevent Impact With the Vehicle’s Interior
Impact in the cabin often results in the body being thrown forward, even with a seatbelt. The body can strike the dashboard, windows, or steering wheel.
Minimize Side-Impact
Curtain and side airbags protect passengers from direct impact with trees, poles, and other vehicles. They reduce fatalities in T-bones by more than 50%.
To take full advantage of the airbag, occupants in front should sit no less than 10 inches from the steering wheel.
Unexpected Injuries From Airbags
However, as stated, airbags are not perfect. Here are common injuries caused by the force and speed of airbag inflation.
- Head and facial injuries: Abrasions; bruising; concussions; fractures (to cheekbones, jaw, nose)
- Ear and eye damage: Impact or chemical exposure affects vision; loud noise causes tinnitus or temporary loss of hearing
- Internal injuries: Fractures to the sternum, broken ribs, heart or lung damage
- Skin and soft tissue damage: Hot gas exposure causes abrasions and chemical burns
- Harm to upper limbs: Sprains or fractures to arms, wrists, and hands
Factors That Increase Risk of Injury
Riders need to keep in mind the ways their behavior can increase the risk of an airbag injury.
- Preexisting conditions: Escaping chemical gases may trigger respiratory conditions such as asthma.
- Improper seating: The closer the driver or passenger is to the wheel or dashboard increases the force of the airbag’s impact. Having one’s feet on the dashboard can result in severe injury.
- Not using seatbelts: Without the seatbelt, the crash will throw you forward as the airbag rushes at you. The conflicting forces greatly increase the risk of injury.
Other Considerations
Here are major considerations to keep in mind regarding airbags.
Child Safety
Those under 12 years-of-age should ride in the back. They are at greater risk of injury. Keep kids from leaning against side airbags. Rear-facing car seats should never be in front.
Objects
Be aware of what you attach, hang, or place near or on airbag covers. Phones, decorations, etc., can become lethal projectiles when an airbag is activated.
After Crash Protocol
Airbags are not recyclable. They should be replaced by an authorized repair center.
Aftermarket Alternatives
Get a professional consultation before installing aftermarket dash covers or changing seat covers. A misguided installation can alter or block an airbag’s trajectory.
Older Individuals
Mature riders, especially those with osteoporosis, have a higher risk of fracturing bones if hit with a deployed airbag.
Pregnancy
Women expecting must use seat belts. They should adjust the seat and belt to maintain distance.
Airbag Deployment Injuries Deserve Compensation
Unfortunately, there have been instances where airbags caused injury or failed to deploy. We’ve also seen instances where there was a collision, and the airbag didn’t deploy. Hundreds have been killed due to defective airbags.
Road accidents are a nightmare. An airbag can exacerbate the stress. If there’s been an accident involving an airbag, an experienced team of personal injury attorneys can help you best understand your rights.