Airbags are one of the most important safety innovations in modern vehicles. These devices can mark the difference between life and death in a road accident.
Definition: Airbags are a passive safety device in vehicles. Physically, they are a cushion that inflates in milliseconds when a collision occurs, providing a protective barrier between the occupants of the vehicle and the hard interior surfaces of the car.
There are different types of airbags.
- Front airbags: These are the most well-known and they deploy in the case of a frontal collision.
- Side airbags: Protect the occupants in case of a side collision.
- Curtain airbags: Are deployed from the ceiling of the vehicle and are used to protect the passenger’s head and neck.
How do they work?
They work through sensors that detect the collision. These are the phases of how they work:
- Impact Sensor: When an impact of a certain magnitude occurs, the impact sensor sends a signal to the airbag control module.
- Inflation: The control module activates a chemical inflator that produces gas to quickly inflate the airbag.
- Deployment: The airbag is deployed at a very high speed (less than 1/20 of a second) to protect the occupant.
- Deflation: After deployment, the airbag deflates nearly immediately to allow the occupants to exit.
Functions and duration
Airbags are designed to last throughout the useful life of a vehicle, which is generally estimated at 10 to 15 years. However, it is important to perform regular reviews to ensure that they are in good functional condition. The functions of an airbag are:
- Stop the movement of the occupants colliding with it gently, consuming a portion of the kinetic energy.
- Avoid having the occupants collide against the interior of the cabin, reducing the risk of injuries.
- Protect the face and eyes from fragments of glass or other pieces that may have separated from the body of the vehicle.
Can their activation cause injuries?
Although airbags can help prevent serious injuries in a collision, including injuries to the head, neck and chest, they can also cause injuries when they deploy, including burns, bruises and, in some cases, trauma from the impact; always to a much lesser degree than the damage they prevent.
The most serious cases can occur when the use norms are not complied with; for example, if the airbag deploys while the passenger is not wearing a seatbelt or if a minor is sitting in the front seat. In these cases, the damage can be serious or even fatal.
How much do they reduce the risk of death?
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the use of front airbags reduces the risk of death in front collisions by 29%. Airbags are only effective if they are used together with a seatbelt.
It is necessary to be at the correct distance from the front airbag, keeping a separation of at least 25 centimeters between the driver’s chest and the steering wheel, to avoid the airbag hitting the driver while it inflates.
When should an airbag system be changed?
Vehicle manufacturers generally recommend that the airbags be checked every 10 years. If the airbag deploys during a crash, it will need to be replaced. It is also important to check them if the vehicle dashboard sensor activates, as this means that the system could be defective.
How can I know if the airbags have popped?
If the airbags of a vehicle deploy, you will see that they are inflated and possibly broken. Also, most modern vehicles have an airbag indicator on the dashboard that lights up if there are any issues with the system.
Safety tips
At Fundación Aleatica para la Seguridad Vial we recommend that you have your vehicle checked by professionals. It is important to keep in mind that airbags are very sensitive safety devices. If your airbag system needs to have work done, it is highly recommended that you have a professional do it.
Incorrect handling of an airbag may cause accidental deployment, which may result in serious injury. Airbags are an essential part of safety in a vehicle and it is important to understand how they work and how to maintain them.
